Somebody recently asked a question about going on hols to the Dominican republic in Sept. I told them to think twice as its the hurrican season. But others were encouraging the person to go. If they went based on the info they received, and got injured or worse. Could the person start litigation.
I see so many wholly incorrect answers on this site that could lead to problems if taken seriously. Seems to me some people just want their 2 points regardless of the answer. Anybody else thought the same?
2007-09-11 01:22:43 · 27 answers · asked by Mike C 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No because the terms of service, relive yahoo of liability unless it comes from a yahoo employee directly. Also, no offense but how dumb are you to take advice that could endanger your life from a yahoo poster?
2007-09-11 01:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by jcinsov 2 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I see the point of the question but the answer is no. Yahoo explicitly explain this in their Terms and Conditions.
It is, I believe, the right of anyone to give an opinion and this should be stated clearly in terms like: 'I believe' or 'In my opinion'. This would not give a reader anything other than a personal view.
Anybody who really knows their answer to be factually correct should state that too.
Your feeling that there are people who are just 'massaging their ego' is well founded. Good on you!
2007-09-11 01:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by MANCHESTER UK 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In English law, you would have to prove that Yahoo! allowed someone to post an answer knowing it to be dangerous or that any reasonable person could have seen would be dangerous. Yahoo! would claim that they are merely transporting the message and it's up to the users of this service to take reasonable precautions. I think Yahoo! would win. The situation in the US is far more complicated, but Yahoo are sure to have got the whole concept lawyered long before they started the site.
2007-09-11 01:33:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
People that post questions on here should accept that although some people will give informed and precise answers, there are many people that will say things in jest or give false information. If I had a serious question and required a professional or experienced answer, I would not ask on yahoo answers. I would enquire about it elsewhere. People that answer on here should not be held responsible or accountable for anyone else, this site is a free for all and whilst many people use it seriously, it is inevitable some people will not.
2007-09-11 01:30:53 · answer #4 · answered by peroxide.pixie 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
No they cannot sue this is an at your own risk kinda thing... people can take or leave any reply, but I agree if people are not informed on the subject then they should refrain from answering as some people just might take the advice and do themselves harm if its incorrect.. good question!
2007-09-11 01:32:10 · answer #5 · answered by Rebel 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yahoo get around themselves by having a disclaimer saying that the opinions expressed are not those of their company. Individuals answering also couldn't be sued, I would have thought, because this is an opinion based site and not a fact based site.
2007-09-11 01:30:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yahoo answers is just for opinions only and can't be sued because someone asks a question and the weather and things happens to be wrong. You are suppose to use your good judgment when you except answers, and only your judgment, its kinda like you asking if someone should jump off a bridge, and someone tells you yes, would you still do it, no because hopefully your smart enough to say that's not right!
2007-09-11 01:33:12 · answer #7 · answered by Tommy's_Sweet_Girl 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No they can't, but well done for flagging this.
It astounds me that people come on here for medical advice!! Fair enough if you want to sound people out on a legal matter, or ask about a car you want to buy etc etc, but human life?? You might be getting an answer from a nine year old!!
2007-09-11 01:41:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh please, its an opinion! The claims culture is completely out of hand, its so ridiculous. If you want someones opinion then you ask, its down to you whether or not you take the advice, if people are daft enough to not do some proper research themselves about when a country's hurricane season is then quite honestly I think they deserve to be blown away.
2007-09-11 01:31:10 · answer #9 · answered by sunshine 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
no, YA is in no way meant for legal representation. you are simply asking advice as to what another may do in a situation and they are expressing their opinion. you may take the advice or not, it is up to you and it is worth exactly what you paid for it....NOTHING.
no one here is acting as your legal adviser and would not be libel for anything opinion they may offer.
to assume a person would considered anything expressed here as anything more is simply irresponsible. everyone is responsible for their own actions and should be responsible enough to know that opinions do not mean legal advise.
i have seen ppl on here that represent themselves as lawyers but i have serious doubts about that for if they were, it would seem that spending their time on YA doesn't speak well for their ability to practice law successfully, if they have time to devote to this forum.
i guess anyone could sue anyone for anything but i think they would be laughed out of court and rightly so, IMO.
2007-09-11 01:35:53 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋