Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts

Verbal offense

Today, January 24, 2002, I arrived at work at around 8:20 a.m. I work for Dedha Public LIBrary, in Dedham, MA. The library does not open till 10:00 a.m. After I parked, I was intercepted by a woman who had driven her son to the library to help our janitor with some janitorial work. The janitor was not here, however. I told her very politely that the library is closed and I do not know when the janitor comes or if he comes at all today. She called me ''stupid bitch'' as she was getting back to her car. I feel that I was polite and that there was nothing else I could do. Is there any legal action I can take for this offense which I did not deserve? Please advise me.

Thank you,


Asked on 1/25/02, 8:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: Verbal offense

This one goes nowhere.

First, at best this is a dignitary wrong, and more likely there is no liability at all -- there were no threats, no physical contact. If you prevailed on any theory, the verdict would likely be $1.

Second, even if this were a high-damage case, it is highly unlikely that you would be able to collect a judgment from this person.

Long ago, a distinguished judge noted that people are inured to the slings and arrows of everyday life. Even in our litigious society, we have not come to the point that it is necessary to sue someone for being gratuitously sworn at.

Best wishes,

LDWG

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Answered on 1/25/02, 9:53 am


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