Law aids citizens suing companies

Tuesday, July 15, 1997 | 11:26 a.m.

His comment came after Gov. Bob Miller signed AB485, which will inhibit the type of lawsuits known as "SLAPP suits" that are designed to shut up those who complain to government officials.

"This will keep the big guy from beating up on the little guy who squawks and is right," said Lewis of North Las Vegas, who's in a battle with Falcon Homes. He says the home he purchased for $110,700 in October 1993 has numerous defects.

Falcon sued Lewis after he posted signs on his property, called public officials, hosted a meeting for neighbors in his living room, and called Falcon numerous times to complain. The company said Lewis had engaged in slander and libel.

Lewis labels it a "SLAPP" suit but Falcon argues that the suit is proper, that it was filed to protect employees and the company's reputation.

Although the suit was filed in January 1995, it has yet to get to trial.

Lewis says he wants to go to trial where he will have a chance in court to prove the workmanship on the home isn't up to standard.

SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. The bill says information and opinions provided by citizens to government are "essential" to good decisions.

The bill protects citizens from being sued if they, in good faith, communicate with government and make comments believed to be truthful. The measure provides that people who feel they've been the target of a SLAPP suit may get the attorney general or the chief legal officer of a local government to defend them.

A procedure is set up for a quick handling of the suit. If citizens win, they may then bring a separate suit to gain compensatory and punitive damages plus attorney costs against the company or body that sued them.