Lawsuit for online review?

1. It appears to be a current trend that contractors are filing lawsuits against their customers who have published negative reviews online. Consumers need to stand up to these unscrupulous contractors, but there is a right and wrong way to do it. Once all efforts have failed to convince the contractors that they need to take responsibility for their work, consumers still have ways they can deal within the legal system to stand up for their rights. First and foremost, the essential thing is TRUTH. When making a claim or defending a claim, make very sure that everything you document is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and that you have proof of each, however small it may seem. From the very beginning, keep a written timeline detailing every incident, to include the date, time, facts, witnesses, and, if available, photographs with dates you took them. Again, make sure that each incident is specific and that you have proof. This is extremely important! Please don't rely on your memory. You would be surprised how much you won't be able to remember down the road when it comes time to list the particulars of every incident. Realize that you will need an attorney to defend you and, if appropriate, to file a counterclaim on your behalf. Don't be afraid to talk to several attorneys before deciding which one is the best for your particular circumstances. Most importantly, don't be discouraged if an attorney tells you the case would not make enough money for him to be interested. This does not mean your case is not worthy; it simply means you haven't found the right attorney to represent you. Be prepared to work out a payment plan, as very few consumers are millionaires. Consider posting a plea online for donations. You will find many considerate consumers such as yourself who would be sympathetic and willing to help you. Also, look for grants that could help your cause. No matter your financial status, as a consumer, you have rights. If you believe in yourself and are adamant that you have been wronged, don't give up. The best friend you have is the internet. Ask a friend or a family member to teach you how to do research. Prepare to spend unlimited hours on research. Start by learning everything you can about the contractor and his company and other consumers who the same contractor has wronged. Next, look up court records and seek out consumer reviews. There are hundreds of sites that contain thoughts, both good and bad. Among them is the Better Business Bureau, which is a highly reputable source.

2. As you start to discover results, get the information organized and create a file. Then, when it comes time to enlist the services of an attorney, you will find how important it is both to you and your attorney. It wouldn't hurt to ask for help from your friends and family members when they find out how dedicated you are to your cause. Another thing you need to be prepared for is the amount of time it will take to achieve any results finally. It is a slow and dreary process. Many of these contractors will use the legal system to delay resolving your complaints, especially when they find that their threats and bullying tactics have been unsuccessful. From the very beginning, don't be afraid to insist that everything be in writing; agreements that are not in writing are too unreliable, and written arrangements always prove invaluable when either party chooses to make clear their intent. Laws in the United States have been enacted to protect the consumer's rights. One of the more recent which comes to mind is the 2016 Consumer Review Fairness Act (CFRA) which gives consumers (this protects people's ability to share their honest opinions about a business's products, services, or conduct, in any forum, including social media.) In addition, many local jurisdictions provide consumer protection agencies and licensing agencies that offer avenues for consumers to exercise their rights. Being in touch and sharing information with other consumers who have had similar experiences will often provide you with the means to find research that could help you.

3. All of these suggestions are meant to assist you in organizing your need to learn how to begin and continue protecting your consumer rights. Don't give up. That will only allow the contractor to win. *For an excellent example of fighting back against a contractor that intimidates, bullies, lies, and uses the legal system when none of the other above-mentioned methods work. See the Hawaii Solar Business Diary blog at: https://solarhawaiireview.blogspot.com