I hired a contractor through Service Magic. After the job was done, you're required to rate the contractor and his work using several criteria. I told the truth and submitted my comments. A few weeks later, I received an angry phone call from said contractor who indicated he felt he was losing business because of what I had said, adding that several people had canceled their scheduled jobs after reading my comments. He threated to sue me unless I changed what I had said into a glowing 5-star report. I felt intimidated. What should I do?
2007-07-03 03:25:01 · 10 answers · asked by debodun 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I would offer him a 5-star report in exchange for all of your money back, or more.
2007-07-03 03:38:41 · answer #1 · answered by Henry C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can sue anybody for anything.
That being said - if you've got the FACTS (ie, not your opinions), then you've got the option to allow him to respond to each of your comments. If he can disprove them - then fine. But if he can't, then you've proven your case.
BTW, you should probably inform this Service Magic of what the contractor is attempting to do - and inform the contractor that you've informed Service Magic of his intent to sue unless you change your comments.
Also, is the contractor complying with all of the state laws? If not, then plan on reporting him to the state.
You might want to contact an attorney.
2007-07-03 03:32:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, the comment cannot be slander or defamation if you were asked to respond to a questionaire regarding the performance of a contractor. No one likes to be told that they have done poorly or that their work is substandard however if you ask for the feedback then what you get is not guaranteed to gain you business and i see no reason for him to sue you legally. The intimidation over your review is probably much like his work which is average to less and if you were honest with the survey i would not worry about it.
2007-07-03 03:31:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report him to the BBB. Maybe they will educate him and he will be less likely to do crappy work that people will report via surveys. Also contact the local chamber of commerce and even MORE people will be less likely to use his services. Threaten him with having his license revoked for making threats to people who report HIS crappy work.
I wouldn't worry about it too much though. But keep the number to a lawyer handy just in case.
2007-07-03 03:32:56 · answer #4 · answered by scraven68 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Add what he said afterwards to your comments if possible. He can not sue youforbad workmanship, you simply told the truth.
2007-07-03 03:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by frosty62 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The guy does NOT have a leg to stand on.
2007-07-03 03:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Charge him for harrassment. He DID ask for your comments / opinions...its not like you went off on your own steam and started commenting on his work.
2007-07-03 03:31:20 · answer #7 · answered by Taurus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you prove he did a crap job? If so, tell him to stick it where the sun don't shine and that you will stand by your words.
2007-07-03 03:28:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly legal assuming you didn't lie.
Defamation of character only extends to statements that are knowingly untrue.
2007-07-03 03:28:08 · answer #9 · answered by smedrik 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, anybody can sue for anything, but he wouldn't win.
He ASKED for your opinion and you gave it.
End of story.
2007-07-03 03:28:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋