The Yelp Negative Review Lawsuit

First, a little background: The patient, , went to see the doctor -- , a chiropractor -- following a car crash in 2006. Norberg felt he was billed unfairly. He stating such on Yelp, a Web site designed specifically for user-submitted opinions.

So where's the problem, you might ask? Dr. Biegel suggests Norberg's review was libelous and caused him to suffer "loss of reputation, shame, mortification, and hurt feelings," as well as "injury to his business and profession," according to a copy of the complaint . Biegel further suggests that the Yelp review "invaded [his] right to privacy."

My Thumbs Down

Here's why I'm giving this negative review lawsuit a negative review, then: There's a . Stating your opinion is a protected constitutional right. Biegel's assertion is that the Yelp review could be interpreted as fact rather than opinion. I disagree.