Getchell v. Auto Bar Systems Northwest, Inc.

This is an action in slander. Plaintiffs, seeking damages, alleged defendants wrongfully made statements imputing that plaintiff Robert Getchell was guilty of criminal conduct and the inability to meet business commitments. As a defense, defendants asserted truth and absolute or qualified privilege. Following trial and the overruling of defendants’ motions for dismissal or directed verdict, the cause was submitted to the jury which returned a verdict awarding plaintiffs $15,000 general damages. In denying defendants’ post trial motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or in the…