Can Bloggers Be Sued For Malpractice?
December 5, 2007
I had a sudden fright this evening. It occurred to me my opinions, style of writing, and choice of topics leave me very open to being sued for blogging malpractice. Does anyone know the law on this? Should I take out malpractice insurance?
I have a feeling I won’t be sleeping well tonight.
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December 5, 2007 at 11:27 PM
It is possible… hence is important to be very particular with issues like plagiarism, defaming some one or some thing!!
Thats why one has to be careful! I know you will now talk about “Freedom of speech”! Its true but with the fundamental right is also a fundamental duty to not harm anyone in anyway!
December 6, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Those are very good points, Nova! Welcome to the blog!
December 6, 2007 at 2:26 AM
Plagiarism and defamation aside, a blogger cannot be sued for “malpractice”. You – unlike R-doc – are not writing about the profession you are in, are you? And at any rate, barring a few, philosophy never killed anybody!
If you are concerned, do mention in your ‘about’ section that these are opinions provided with no direct or implied warranties, and do not constitute professional advice of any kind and must not be relied on to make serious judgements. Disclaimers will not save you but if you are worried they at least shift the onus to the reader.
December 6, 2007 at 5:16 AM
Hi Shefaly! Thank you for the sound advice! Yet, I am not so much concerned that someone will ever be so foolish as to adopt my opinions, as I am worried someone will sue me for inflicting my prose and poetry on them. How could I live with the shame of loosing a lawsuit brought over my “malicious malpractice of the English tongue”?
December 6, 2007 at 8:09 AM
Paul: If there were such a threat, I can enumerate many others who would be sued before you do. From time to time, naming and shaming such ‘malpractitioners’ is my favourite pastime as you can see on my blog
December 6, 2007 at 9:13 AM
That’s reassuring to know, Shefaly!
BTW, I like your blog and have added a link to it in my sidebar. I’d been meaning to do that for a while now.
December 6, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Thanks, Paul. I am flattered to be linked under ‘Art and Literary Blogs’
December 6, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Thank you Paul. Nice to see you on WordPress. Welcome Aboard!
December 7, 2007 at 6:28 AM
Loose spelling, Paul?! When will ya learn??
December 7, 2007 at 7:29 AM
Learn, Rambodoc? Isn’t learning something one only does while young and still waiting to reach an age when it’s legal to drink?