Four Solid Reasons to Leave the Law Out of Fighting Negative Reviews

Wondering how to fight negative reviews? There are a number of things you can do, but avoid calling your lawyer. Here are 4 good reasons why:

1. Statistically it is not advisable.

Doctors have tried to file suits against both patients and against the review sites. There are very few instances with a positive outcome. Free speech comes into play.

2. It’s bad PR

3. It’s time consuming and energy draining.

Fighting a negative review can take months (in some cases years) of your time. Time which would be better spent improving the practice and getting more positive reviews to drown out the negative one.

4. Gag orders: ineffectual and not legally enforceable.

Some doctors have tried to get patients to agree not to leave negative reviews prior to treatment. Many experts believe this is unethical. And legal experts say the copyright claims do not stand up in court. Additionally, some review sites have a “Wall of Shame” encouraging patients to post names of doctors who use gag orders.

Rather than involve the law, it may make sense to respond to the negative review. It’s particularly effective if you happen to know who the person is and can contact them to try and alleviate the issue. Then, with their permission, it may make sense to publicly respond to the negative review with details to clear things up.

Even in a perfectly run practice, negative reviews can happen. The best solution is to flood review sites with legitimate positive reviews to drown out the negative ones. Read about how to ask for reviews here.

Rather than fearing negative reviews, harness their power to strengthen your business. A few negative reviews here and there will bounce off your armor if you’re well prepared.

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