Can we sue for this?

Question

OK, we went to the PO to get our passports, we are of hebrew beliefs, my husband has a beard and is dark complected. The man doing our papers(government employee) tells my husband, I don't know, you look like a happy terrorist to me in this picture, if you go to a airport for sure they'll put you on the wall and do a strip search. My husband is a very pure man and didn't defend himself, he lives his life according to tora, and my children were witness to this as well, my daughter is very bothered by what was said about her dad. If you have any legal knowledge please tell me what we can do about this horrible deformation of character.

Thank you, Cherry

Answer 1

You could file a complaint with the Post Master

Answer 2

Regardless if you sue or not, you need to do something. First of all, the postal employee didn't defame your husband by making a statement like that to you, your husband and family. What he DID do was insulting, hurtful and just over-the-top WRONG and you shouldn't let it go. First, go through channels at the post office to talk to the Postal Inspector to demand an apology and evidence that disciplinary action is taken against the employee. If you get no satisfaction there contact your representative or U.S. Senator for help. I would also drop a note to your local news paper - they would probably be glad to help you get attention!  Since the jerk only made the comments in front of your family, I doubt if a lawyer would say you have a case, but who knows?  You might want to contact a personal injury lawyer to see if one would take the case on "contingency". If one won't do it on contingency it more than likely means he/she doesn't think the case is winnable. Good luck and DON'T let the jerk get away with this disgusting behavior!  

Sounds like Greg is a lawyer and he said it a lot better than I did but, I still think at least an apology is called for.

Answer 3

THATS WRONG! people in the past have told my dad that,but not anymore.It should be legal to sue them for that.

Answer 4

does his hebrew beliefs prohibit a sense of humor ?

Answer 5

Sure you can, but its not defemation of character. Who did he defame? Where did he make that public? You can sue, for any reason, chances are.....you will loose. You can complain to the Post Master of his racial slurs. But other than than the burden of proof lies upon the plaintiff. You would need atleast 3 other people hear him say that. And really no offense, but what damages would you be looking for? Chances are, nothing will happen, other than the employee getting fired. I do not see any monetary value in this. So basically you will be spending 365 dollars for filing fees, plus service of process fees. Plus attorney fees. Not worth it for losing a case.