Calling someone a “real tool” is not enough to defame a doctor’s reputation. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently ruled in the case, McKee v. Laurion, that a web review, written by Dennis Laurion the son of a one of Dr. David McKee’s patients, which stated, among other things, “Dr MCKee is a real tool,” was an opinion rather than fact, and therefore not actionable.
Ironically, Dr. McKee, like so many doctors, presumably brought the action to defend his reputation, which was originally tarnished by those reading, and believing, the website on which the rating appeared. Ironically, because of the McKee’s suit, Laurion’s words have gone viral. What a bummer for Dr. McKee, not only did he lose his suit, but he potentially lost a wider patient base too!