Businesses sue over online reviews

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Businesses are suing consumers over reviews they have posted online, legal observers say.

Libel lawsuits over Internet postings are becoming increasingly common, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Sunday.

"These suits are extremely common and starting to make their way through the courts," said Lyrissa Lidsky, a University of Florida Law School professor. "Courts are starting to develop balancing tests to guarantee it's a legitimate libel suit before they uncover the poster's identity."

The Grand Palms Golf & Country Club in Pembroke Pines, Fla., for instance, filed a lawsuit in October against Jessica Rapillo, accusing the New Yorker of posting a defamatory review that caused a noticeable drop in business.

Her review on a travel Web site called the Grand Palms "the most disgusting, bug infested, rundown hotel," court papers say.

Defending the lawsuit, Grand Palms President EM Segall said the hotel must protect its reputation.

"Such actions by these individuals are shameful and should not go unpunished," he was quoted as saying.