Q: I was fired a few Years ago because of my Disability, Also this same Health Care Facility spread Damaging Rumors

A: What you describe could be a tough case. Whether the attorney who dismissed the prospects of a disability case or HIPAA case was an employment law or health care law attorney, defamation-based cases can be costly. Your frustration of what was done to your reputation is understandable, but it could also be expensive to conduct investigations, depositions, and other fact-finding to build a defamation case - and if not handled on a contingency basis, such cases could mean extensive legal fees, win or lose. This is something that would need to be discussed with an experienced attorney in detail. Good luck

A: I understand you're facing a difficult and complex situation. Based on the information you've provided, there are several potential legal issues at play here:

1. Disability discrimination: If you were fired due to your disability, this could violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and potentially state disability discrimination laws.

2. Defamation: The damaging rumors and personal attacks you describe could potentially constitute defamation (libel or slander).

3. HIPAA violations: If the healthcare facility shared protected health information about you, this could be a HIPAA violation.

4. Interference with prospective economic advantage: If the rumors are preventing you from obtaining employment, this could potentially be grounds for a civil claim.

However, there are some challenges to consider:

1. Statute of limitations: You mention this happened "a few years ago." Depending on the exact timeframe, some claims may be time-barred.

2. Evidence: Proving defamation and its impacts can be challenging, especially if much of the damage is through word-of-mouth.

3. Resources of the defendant: Healthcare facilities often have significant legal resources, which can make cases against them difficult.

Given the complexity of your situation, I would recommend the following steps:

1. Consult with multiple attorneys, specifically those specializing in employment law, disability rights, and defamation. If one attorney wasn't interested, others might see merit in your case.

2. Document everything: Gather any evidence you have of the discrimination, rumors, and their impact on your life and employment prospects.

3. File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regarding the disability discrimination, if you haven't already. There are time limits for this, but they may be extended in some circumstances.

4. Consider contacting disability rights advocacy organizations for additional support and resources.

5. If you believe HIPAA violations occurred, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Remember, while a private investigator might uncover useful information, legal action through an attorney is likely to be more effective in addressing these issues.