Professionals,
Without going into too much detail, I’d like to ask a question of the
professionals involved in this forum. Has anyone had to formerly, by
way of the court system, or other means had to deal with a case of a
competing company slandering another professional in the same market?
My partner, Dan Busch CO, and I left our former employer approximately
10 months ago to start our own practice in the same market. This was a
very difficult decision to make, especially for Dan who had worked for
this employer for nearly 18 years. There were many personal and
emotional decisions that complicated the straight business decision.
Several attempts were made to work out a buyout with the former
employer. To make a long story short, a time frame and price for the
practice could not be agreed upon. The bottom line was there was no
choice but to start our own practice. (if anyone would like the
details, we can email privately). Since our departure we have been
approached by several people who work in the hospital where both
practices do the majority of their business. These therapists,
physicians, nurses etc. have told us of the outrageous claims this man
and his office manager have made regarding our departure. Our ex-owner
has unfortunately been in the hospital for various reasons and been
finding a way to bad mouth us with every medical person he comes in
contact with. Most people dismiss his miniature tirades because they
know us personally and our character is far from what this man
describes. It is actually rather pathetic, and we have made every
attempt to stay above board and not discuss the details with people who
ask.
We have contacted ABC, and they suggested to work it out over a beer one
night and ask them to stop. I can assure you that they would not accept
an invitation for a beer. We left over nine months ago and have heard a
new story of slander a couple of times each month. How do you suggest
we diplomatically approach this? Initially we thought it would go away
and we would just ride it out and let our work and actions speak for
ourselves. But according to someone present in the recovery room
yesterday, the man is as bitter as ever and prepared to let everyone
within earshot know it.
Has anyone pursued legal action, cease and desist orders, or anything
similar? We are getting frustrated. Thank you in advance.
Chris Fairman CPO
Great Lakes Prosthetics & Orthotics
3075 Clark Rd. Suite 100
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-528-5200
