Journalism and libel/slander

[writer100]

I live in Massachusetts and am writing a book (partly an autobiography and also a commentary) concerning my experience with the legal system as a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case and the toll it has taken on my credit history, life, loss of career, finances and, most importantly, the emotional aspects. My book would contain information about friends, acquaintances and/or medical institutions which are crucial to the book's intent; I have more than enough documentation and/or evidence to back up any statements/opinions. Can I be sued for libel or slander? My case is still in the discovery stages, and I don't plan to send the book out to publishers until it is over.

 

[kiki]

"Truth" is the perfect defense against a libel suit, and it sounds like you have the documentation to back up your claims. Understand though anyone can bring suit against you, and defending your self can be expensive, very expensive. Your publisher down the road will vet the manuscript for self protection, so you're probably relatively safe because most probably both you and the publisher will be named in any suit brought and the publisher most likely has attorneys on retainer for matters like this.

kiki