Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Oregon

Re: a missing diamond ring

Anyone can sue you, of course, but such a suit in this circumstances would not likely succeed. There is are torts of business defamation and business disparagement, if someone makes false statements about a business in order to harm it (usually a competitor offering the same sort of goods and services).

Accusing a company of being dishonest or in allowing its employees to engage in theft is, however, a very serious charge regarding the company's reputation, and the company can sue you for it. The company would have to prove how it was harmed by your remarks, such as proof that someone saw the remarks on the website and that caused him not to hire the company for a job.

I assume that you did not make any false statements on their web site. Instead, you merely stated what your knew -- that the workers were there and later your ring was missing. If you only told the truth in your posting on their website, that is an absolute defense to any of these potential claims against you.

I assume you have corrected on their website your error in thinking that the workers might have stolen the ring. If so, do so immediately. You might also put on their website a review of the wonderful job the workers did and how you would not hesitate to hire them again.