Q: Can I be sued, and if so what can I do?
I had a small pet sitting gig where I offer pet sitting services. I was contacted by a gentleman to overnight pet sit for 10 days (06/17 - 06/26). We agreed, he paid me 80% up front. (No contract signed, no witness to the agreement) My partner and I stayed from 06/17 - 06/19, and I stayed by myself on 06/19, and ended up leaving 06/20 night due to roaches.
I reached out to the gentleman and informed him I was no longer comfortable staying at his house, but would continue to pet sit. He responded with threatening to call the police and sue me. He told me to leave, and after the agreement was terminated, I refunded all but $160 for the services that were rendered. He then threatened me again and stated that he would "make my life miserable". He stated he would contact previous people I've done business with and that I would "regret this, trust me". Due to these threats, I am concerned since he does know where I live and the police will not file a report since nothing has happened.
A:
It appears that he is threatening to tell people bad things about you, not physically attack you or anything like that. Arguably it's a threat to defame (slander) you. Could you sue him if he did? I probably wouldn't bother.
Why should you care if the police won't make a formal report; that means nothing?
Your initial question is whether you can be sued. Anyone can sue anyone. Would such a suit have any traction? No, very unlikely.
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