Morris v. Gray & Co.

LEMMON, Judge.

In this defamation suit defendants have appealed from a judgment, rendered after a trial on the merits which awarded plaintiff the sum of $750.00. The principal issue on appeal is whether the words in the letter, admittedly written by defendant Benfield, constitute defamation.

Benfield, a casualty claims adjuster employed by an independent adjusting firm, wrote the following letter to plaintiff, an attorney, with a copy to the adjusting firm’s client:

“August 9, 1977

“MR. Frank Morris

Attorney at Law

6619 Airline Highway

Airline Park Shopping Center

Metairie, Louisiana 70003

“RE: Claim…