Doctor, Mental health and Anxiety: Is it slander or libel?

Is it slander or libel?

By Anonymous - 10/08/2019 00:01

Today, I posted a review, on a strictly anonymous site, about a doctor I went to see for my anxiety but who actually made me worse. A while later, the same doctor called my home phone, addressed me by my full name and threatened to sue me for slander if I didn't take down the review. All of which was 100% true. FML

I agree, your life sucks 2 577

You deserved it 191

Labour Day: Rest or Disaster?
Find out how a day off can turn into a series of hilarious, unexpected events. More…

Previous FML Next FML

Same thing different taste

Everyone's a critic

By Anonymous - 24/02/2021 05:01 - United States

Today, I finally left a one-star review for my doctor’s office. I mentioned my doctor was epic, but called them out on their poor billing practices. I got a call saying my awesome doctor actually owns the clinic. My next appointment is going to be so awkward. FML

I agree, your life sucks 759

You deserved it 326

By AshWil - 26/06/2015 16:54 - United States - Washington

Today, I accidentally posted an extensive, negative review of the gynecologist I visited earlier this week. I messed up and posted it from my work's customer service email, so now it looks like the large, well-known company I work for had a poor gynecological experience. FML

I agree, your life sucks 16 875

You deserved it 23 110

You got lawyered

By fckmylife - 20/12/2016 19:47

Today, I found out that I'm being sued for posting on Facebook about a customer service experience with a local company. Even though we have witnesses, the owners of the store claim that we're lying about the whole thing and that we're "malicious". FML

I agree, your life sucks 9 192

You deserved it 715

By KereKris - 01/12/2016 19:18

Today, I wrote a bad review for a pizza place after their pizza gave me food poisoning. Now, they won't stop calling me, begging me to take my review down in exchange for free pizza. I have tried to tell them that I wouldn't eat their pizza again even if I got paid to do so, but they won't listen. FML

I agree, your life sucks 10 578

You deserved it 1 392

By Freelman - 06/05/2015 14:34 - Ireland - Dublin

Today, I tried to write a bad review for the fast-food place at which I work part-time. My username made me anonymous, but I forgot to change my profile picture. Now my manager and coworkers won't even speak to me. FML

I agree, your life sucks 12 219

You deserved it 44 391

HR FML

By jobless - 01/12/2015 04:01 - New Zealand - Auckland

Today, HR sent a review email to me asking me to anonymously tell them about my boss. I decided to use this opportunity to tell them what a dick he was. I printed off the review, filled it out, then scanned and emailed it to myself. Or so I thought. Turns out I'd sent the review to my boss. FML

I agree, your life sucks 19 470

You deserved it 18 694

Call CPS!

By leovaldez - 22/06/2020 20:08

Today, after years of having seasonal allergies and months of having my throat close up, my mom agreed to see a doctor, only to insult me in front of the doctor, saying I just find new ways to make their lives harder and I'm probably making it all up. FML

I agree, your life sucks 1 800

You deserved it 118

By Monster-in-law - 09/08/2017 16:30 - United States - Sherwood

Today, I got a call from my brother-in-law's doctor. Apparently he's made threats and fantasizes about killing me. "Notifying you is the protocol for things like this" he said, and ended the conversation with, "have a nice day." FML

I agree, your life sucks 4 973

You deserved it 269

Quack quack quack

By mikki_arlert - This FML is from back in 2016 but it's good stuff - Australia - Melbourne

Today, my mother threatened my psychiatrist with legal action because he told her the organic and herbal "medicine" she swears by don't actually "cure" mental illness like she claims. FML

I agree, your life sucks 10 900

You deserved it 771

By u wot? - 14/02/2015 12:14 - United Kingdom - Ipswich

Today, I found out someone, most likely my psycho ex, has been posing as me on local interest websites, trolling a load of people, and giving them my address so they can come fight me. I found this out when a gentleman showed up at my house wanting to beat me shitless. FML

I agree, your life sucks 33 458

You deserved it 2 331

ForSeriousReally 17

Saturday 10 August 2019 0:59

CLEARLY the doctor doesn't know what he's talking about. First of all, slander is defamation that is spoken, not written. What he's thinking of is actually called libel. As you know, truth is a defense to defamation, so as long as the things you've stated in your review were accurate and specific, or were an opinion, I wouldn't worry too much. As always, don't ignore a lawsuit if served lest a default judgement be issued against you, but again I wouldn't be too concerned. The fact that the site was anonymous and he was able to correctly ascertain who you were seems to be a good indication that what you wrote was accurate.

TrashlifeKaylala 12

Saturday 10 August 2019 0:41

Sue him back for some kind of malpractice or harassment?

Comments

themetropolitan 19

Tuesday 13 August 2019 0:46

What creeps me out the most is that he somehow knew you posted the review even though it was anonymous... eeeeek...

wakeupnow 10

Saturday 17 August 2019 16:58

If you are genuinely worried, this is meant to reassure you! Under these facts, he can't win a case for libel (doesn't mean he can't sue, file an answer/denial pro se if he sues but I think it is unlikely). Google "wilson advisorlaw 10th circuit" for a similar and actually much worse fact pattern where the poster was ultimately held not liable for false advertising (issued on August 15, 2019 from the federal 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 18-1441). Good luck!