Posting Negative Reviews Could Get You Sued

10.01.2009

First, Yelp makes it clear that the reviews contained within its site are just that -- reviews. Opinions. Personal experiences.

"Yelp is the ultimate city guide that taps into the community's voice and reveals honest and current insights on local businesses and services," explains.

That distinction aside, let's take a look at a couple of the specific phrases from the review listed in the doctor's complaint:

-- "A friend told me to stop going, cause Dr. Biegel billed his insurance company funny awhile before."

Biegel's complaint says this phrase "suggests [he] is dishonest." I'd suggest that the beginning of the sentence, "a friend told me," makes it abundantly clear that the statement is someone's personal opinion.