My son is in University. He went into the room and was playing some funny clips to one of the roommates, however one of the clips was a pre-programmed voice on his laptop making fun of one of the roommate's girlfriend. The roommate got up and slammed his laptop closed which has internal cracks in the screen so there are colors all over the bottom right of the screen. Even though what my son did was very immature, does the roommate have to pay for breaking the laptop because he still has a freedom of speech to say whatever he wants. He also put up his hand to hit my son but stopped and went back to his desk.

Freedom of speech is no defence to slander, it also doesn't mean you can say whatever you want about any body else..

Yes I understand that but there was no right for him to break the laptop. Still does he have to pay for it? If he had a problem, he could have told the Dean not broken someone's laptop? And my son said he did it as a joke because it was a computer voice.

I do not know exactly what the voice said so I don't know if there was slander or defemation involved. The boy who did slam the computer closed has a responsibility to cover the repiar but you might have to sue him, he can't be arrested for what he did, this is a civil matter.

The voice was about 8 seconds, basically saying my son was having sex with his girlfriend.

As indicated, what was said is most likely immaterial. It did not give the other student the right to attack your son or his property. Ergo, he is responsible for repairing the laptop.

But, if he refuses you will have to sue and even if you win (a good likelihood) you will then have to collect.

I'm assuming here that you did not purchase the laptop with accidental damage coverage and your homeowner's insurance won't cover it.

What is the law on this one though because I just want to take it to the Dean rather than sueing. I don't have accidental coverage and it cost $500 U.S. to replace the screen

The law is that anyone responsible for damage to private property through negligence or willful action is responsible for paying for its repair.

I doubt if the Dean will get involved, but its worth a try.

Can the boy say that he damaged my son's laptop because of "slander" as a defense

can the boy say that he damaged my son's laptop because of "slander" as a defense

I already answered this.

First, the boy was not slandered, maybe his girlfriend was, but not him.

Second, that is no legal excuse for causing damage to a person or property.

However, the Dean is not subject to actual law. The Dean could tell you (or your son) that he should have realized that playing that clip in the other boy's presence was sure to inflame and your son should have realized the potential results of doing so.

Since this is a Small Claims matter, a Small Claims court judge might rule similarly and hold your son partially responsible, reducing the damages awarded.

OK thanks a lot for your help

The boy is now saying that he did not intentionally mean to break the laptop and he is very sensitive about people talking about his girlfriend.

The boy is now saying that he did not intentionally mean to break the laptop and he is very sensitive about people talking about his girlfriend.

He may not have done it intentionally but he still broke it.

It's the same as a car accident. No one intentionally gets into an accident, doesn't mean that the person at fault is any less at fault.

The boy is now saying that he did not intentionally mean to break the laptop and he is very sensitive about people talking about his girlfriend.

You really should review the thread before asking questions that have already been answered.


The law is that anyone responsible for damage to private property through negligence or willful action is responsible for paying for its repair.


The part; "through negligence or willful action" covers his claim. He was negligent in not taking care when closing the laptop. End of story.

Sorry I'm a doctor not a lawyer. I wanted to make sure I had all the facts.

Sorry I'm a doctor not a lawyer. I wanted to make sure I had all the facts.



WOW - this is truly AMAZING! Two years ago you were in the 12th grade, writing in text speak with little punctuation on the teen board and addressing how to get girls to think you're mature - today you're a DOCTOR.

You also have a SON old enough to be in College - wow, all in two years!

To put it kindly, I don't think you're a Doctor and I think this post is about you.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/how-do-get-girl-think-im-mature-144885.html#post687053

wow - this is truly AMAZING! Two years ago you were in the 12th grade, writing in text speak with little punctuation on the teen board and addressing how to get girls to think you're mature - today you're a DOCTOR.

To put it kindly, I don't think you're a Doctor.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/how-do-get-girl-think-im-mature-144885.html#post687053

Good catch.

In light of this, I think he's the "son" and his laptop is the one that was broken.

I doubted the claim of being a doctor, because of the poor spelling and grammar, but to lie to this extent, that's sad.

Good catch.

In light of this, I think he's the "son" and his laptop is the one that was broken.

I doubted the claim of being a doctor, because of the poor spelling and grammar, but to lie to this extent, that's sad.



Certainly causes a person to doubt the truth of any part of the story about the laptop, doesn't it?

Certainly causes a person to doubt the truth of any part of the story about the laptop, doesn't it?

Very much so.

Lie once, it's not hard to lie twice.

Good catch Judy!


I like this girl who is my age 18. How do I make her think I'm mature? I asked her once and she said I'm immature because I make jokes in class and say things that don't mean any sense.

And it looks like he hasn't matured much in 2 years. Still "joking" only now its escalated. I'm beginning to hope the other student gets away with damaging his laptop.

Haha no that was my son on my account because it is auto set to sign on. I'm OB/GYN

Graduated from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. My son is in college now and I believe his story and the laptop screen is damaged. The account is set to automatically log in. I don't have time to use askmehelpdesk, so this is why I may only have 3 posts. I am in the States now. So don't try to be funny.

You are more than welcome to call my office.

If you're a doctor, then you can afford a new screen. Charge it to your office.

Of course I can but I'm not going to pay for it because my son didn't break it. And I can't charge a laptop screen to my office. Well technically I can as a liability but it's not ethical because the clinic has to pay for it. I work private practice.

So you created an account to sign in automatically, only your son has used it before to answer and ask questions (you realize anyone on here can click your name and get to the history of all of your posts, right?), and now you're coming on here using the account your son has taken over to ask a question for him? Hm. Just doesn't sound right still

Graduated from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. My son is in college now and I believe his story and the laptop screen is damaged. The account is set to automatically log in. I don't have time to use askmehelpdesk, so this is why I may only have 3 posts. I am in the States now. So don't try to be funny.

It's free to sign up, doesn't cost one cent and it's quick and easy.

We often look at old posts to get the bigger picture. This is why it's not a good idea to post under someone else's account.

We're not trying to be funny at all, we're absolutely serious.

You've gotten great legal advice here, you've been told what to do. I would suggest that you sign up for your own account if you wish to ask further questions.

Good luck.

so you created an account to sign in automatically, only your son has used it before to answer and ask questions (you realize anyone on here can click your name and get to the history of all of your posts, right?), and now you're coming on here using the account your son has taken over to ask a question for him? hm. just doesn't sound right still

I don't have a Facebook account or myspace so my secretary set it up for me to auto sign in. I'm not exactly of your generation to know how to use these things. So I just want it to sign in and I can ask my question. I wanted my secretary to set it up so when someone replies it says in my email inbox, but she has not done that yet. At the time I was in school, I did not have to do any legal courses and I did not choose any, so basic legal terms I'm unfamiliar with which is why I seem to ask questions that are obvious to someone who has the appropriate legal expertise.

I don't have a facebook account or myspace so my secretary set it up for me to auto sign in. I'm not exactly of your generation to know how to use these things. So I just want it to sign in and I can ask my question. I wanted my secretary to set it up so when someone replies it says in my email inbox, but she has not done that yet. At the time I was in school, I did not have to do any legal courses and I did not choose any, so basic legal terms I'm unfamiliar with which is why I seem to ask questions that are obvious to someone who has the appropriate legal expertise.

How old do you think we are? :confused:

There are people in their 80's here that have an account.

It's really not hard. You did figure out how to log in, start a new thread etc.

You don't need a Facebook or myspace account to sign up here so I don't know why you mentioned that.

How do you survive, as a doctor, without basic computer knowledge?

How old do you think we are? :confused:

There are people in their 80's here that have an account.

It's really not hard. You did figure out how to log in, start a new thread etc.

You don't need a facebook or myspace account to sign up here so I don't know why you mentioned that.

How do you survive, as a doctor, without basic computer knowledge?

That's exactly why doctors have secretaries who make sure patients are coming, and draft my schedule for me. When you are working in this business there is no time to do extra things. Sure I would love you take a weekend off, go to a computer course but I'm always working.

That's exactly why doctors have secretaries who make sure patients are coming, and draft my schedule for me. When you are working in this business there is no time to do extra things. Sure I would love you take a weekend off, go to a computer course but I'm always working.

My doctor uses the computer all the time, to check files, fill out prescriptions, everything. He's in his 60's.

I do office some days where I know what I'm prescribing, generally the same cases every day and some days surgery which I get a printed schedule from my secretary. I don't use the computer for anything.

First, I'm sorry, but a doctor generally has better than average intelligence. They also have to think quickly on their feet. The answers you received contained very little, if any, legal jargon. About the only legal term used was "negligence" and, as a doctor, you should understand what that means.

As to setting up your account to send you e-mail click on My Profile in the upper right of the screen. On your profile click on edit options on the left side (about half way down). In there you can set up notifications to your e-mail address when you receive responses. Not very difficult at all.

Looking back, the first 5 or so questions were posted by your son, so I have to wonder who really setup the account.

If you don't want your son to use your account tell him to setup one of his won.

I've never seen a Physician use the phrase "ha, ha" before.

I suspect OP has some problems (including lying and then coming up with excuses) and it's time to close the thread.

And, yes, by all means, let's call his office! Anyone have the number? (I also don't know any Physicians who work private practice in a clinic - ?)

Personally, I don't know what to think but here:


The name of this thread is "son's laptop broken intentionally", it was an accident.

If you really are a doctor, trying to get reimbersed for damaged property, I ask WHY? Do you plan on coming to the rescue of your son every time he does something? Is he spoiled? Let him take care of it, no matter what the decision.

If you are the "son", grow up, and act like an adult.

You, or your son, whomever it is I'm talking to, you should know guys that age are very sensitive about people talking about their girl.

I guess this is a fine way to find that out.

Now somebody go write a check.

I've never seen a Physician use the phrase "ha, ha" before.

I suspect OP has some problems (including lying and then coming up with excuses) and it's time to close the thread.

And, yes, by all means, let's call his office! Anyone have the number? (I also don't know any Physicians who work private practice in a clinic - ?)

I am not at General Practitioner, I am a specialist. And maybe you are in a next world but specialist don't only work in the public sector but also privately. They work in a medical clinic with maybe 30 other doctors.

If I had any doubts at all, this post clinched the deal!

Specialist? Run on sentences?

No way!

I am not at General Practitioner, I am a specialist. And maybe you are in a next world but specialist don't only work in the public sector but also privately. They work in a medical clinic with maybe 30 other doctors.

Not buying it.

You don't write well enough to be a doctor.

Where did you go to medical school?

As I recall, Scotland but now he/she or whomever is in the US, working as an OB/GYN, in a clinic - and we are welcome to call the clinic and find out.

You call the Western side of the US and I'll call the Eastern side.

These responses are apparently being typed between patients.

I love this board!

As I recall, Scotland but now he/she or whomever is in the US, working as an OB/GYN, in a clinic - and we are welcome to call the clinic and find out.

You call the Western side of the US and I'll call the Eastern side.

These responses are apparently being typed between patients.

I love this board!

Isn't it fun when a 20 something pretends to be a doctor but doesn't have the brains
God gave a goat?

Yes, a busy doctor indeed. A doctor that doesn't understand computers yet finds
A way to join AMHD and ask questions. I had to help a lot of people write their first
Thread and post pictures, yet I'm the most computer illiterate person on this site. Maybe. ;)

Not buying it one little bit. I may not be a doctor but I'm smarter then the OP. Hmmm, maybe I should go to med school? :p

You know, I have my computer set to log me in automatically too. But when I go to my boyfriend's I still have to log on. Does that mean your secretary comes to your house to set up your computer? Or that your son hangs out playing on the office computer asking questions?

You know I love you Alty and I know you would NEVER deliberately hurt anyone's feelings but your statement has insulted goats everywhere: "Isn't it fun when a 20 something pretends to be a doctor but doesn't have the brains God gave a goat?"

You owe the goats an apology.

You know I love you Alty and I know you would NEVER deliberately hurt anyone's feelings but your statement has insulted goats everywhere: "Isn't it fun when a 20 something pretends to be a doctor but doesn't have the brains God gave a goat?"

You owe the goats an apology.

Damn I wish I could rep you for that, but I have to spread the love. :(

Sorry to all goats. Even the one that ate my t-shirt the last time we went to the
Petting zoo. :cool:

you know, i have my computer set to log me in automatically too. but when i go to my boyfriend's i still have to log on. does that mean your secretary comes to your house to set up your computer? or that your son hangs out playing on the office computer asking questions?

Excellent points.

Now we are to believe that the secretary set up an account name as Tom_Jones? Unless we are dealing with Dr Thomas Jones, then the secretary used the name of a famous singer or the protagonist of a famous novel about a philanderer. Great screen name for an OB-Gyn!!

Frankly if I had a "son" was being that rude and obnoxious then I would tell him to get a job and have the screen fixed himself. Perhaps the roommate shouldn't have broken it but you can't blame him either when it was hateful and meant to make him upset. Yeah yeah, you could get a lawyer and maybe sue, if you can prove the roommate did it, and spend more in lawyer fees then you would just getting a new laptop. Until then it looks like it's the school's computer lab for you buddy, uh hmm, I mean for your "son".

Do you have any idea what surgery notes are? This is becoming pointless. I don't have to prove anything to you'll. I came for advice. At the end of the day I'm still a specialist and you are what? You are just a "pet expert" and a computer technician. And worse yet you are posting in the law forum. This leads me to question if you are even competent enough to answer questions beyond computers and pets. Don't tell people they are not telling the truth based on the premise that I am a specialist and you are all pretending to be somebody, you're not.

Do you have any idea what surgery notes are? This is becoming pointless. I don't have to prove anything to you'll. I came for advice. At the end of the day I'm still a specialist and you are what? You are just a "pet expert" and a computer technician. And worse yet you are posting in the law forum. This leads me to question if you are even competent enough to answer questions beyond computers and pets. Don't tell people they are not telling the truth based on the premise that I am a specialist and you are all pretending to be somebody, you're not.



What do "surgery notes" have to do with anything? Isn't the phrase surgical notes? You see, my husband had a Doctorate, taught Pharmacy. I've NEVER heard the phrase "surgery notes." Go figure.

You got advice. Very few Physicians post here (or admit it). Physicians usually consult Attorneys and pay for the advice.

At the end of the day you're still 20, pretending to be a Physician, and we're still all laughing at you.

And what is the number of that clinic we're supposed to call to verify your identity and the story with your secretary?

(Alty - out of greenies but I have spoken to several goats and they accept your apology.)

You are just a "pet expert"

Honey, I'm a lot more then "just" a pet expert, and unlike you, I don't have to prove what I am or who I am because I've never lied about it.

We're not easily fooled, we deal with this sort of thing every day. Shame on your for trying.

The fact remains, you got the best legal advice anyone could give you, so either follow it or don't, your choice.

(Judy, I'm glad I haven't angered the goat population, they could do a lot of damage if they wanted). :)

Oh what the h3ll, I'll join in. Is this...

I don't have to prove anything to you'll.
... even English? Or perhaps goat? :p

I like how you have to have your "secretary" set you up for auto-login, which means you gave your secretary your password in order to access your account. Does she also know your social security number, pay your bills online, and wipe your fanny when you're done with the bathroom?

Sorry, for you to complain that your "private practice" shouldn't have to pay for a laptop while you're busy paying your "secretary" to play around for you online... well, I just find that to be flat-out hilarious :)

*begins singing "What's new pussycat, whoooa, whoa whoa!!!"*

Do you have any idea what surgery notes are? This is becoming pointless. I don't have to prove anything to you'll. I came for advice. At the end of the day I'm still a specialist and you are what? You are just a "pet expert" and a computer technician. And worse yet you are posting in the law forum. This leads me to question if you are even competent enough to answer questions beyond computers and pets. Don't tell people they are not telling the truth based on the premise that I am a specialist and you are all pretending to be somebody, you're not.

Clearly you don't have a clue how a site like this works. Whether Alty is listed as a Pet Expert or I am listed as a Computer Expert does not mean that is the extent of our range of knowledge. You ask; "you are what?". Alty answered for herself, so I'll answer for myself. I am also a specialist, I am a published author in my specialty and have been honored by my peers for that specialty. So I am every bit the specialist you claim to be, but I don't confine myself to this one area as you seem to have done. For example I know that people from the United Kingdom do refer to doctor's office as surgeries, unlike American doctors. Since you claim to have gotten your degree in the UK, it might be expected for you to refer to the notes you take on your patients as surgery notes. In fact that is the first thing you have said that provides a glimmer of truth to your claims.

What you also have to understand is that many people especially young people, try to amuse themselves by creating off the wall scenarios to see how far they can fool us. Because of this we have become skeptical when we see a load of contradictions as you have exhibited.

You came here for advice, and you got very good and accurate advice. But in the course of providing that advice several discrepancies in your story came to light. And your explanation of those discrepancies raised even more questions than they answered. None of the people who have helped you are pretending to be anything other than we say we are. And you won't find discrepancies or contradictions in our posting history. Something you can't say.

You don't have to be a lawyer to be able to answer a legal question. The people who responded to your legal question are known on this site for giving truthful and accurate responses consistently. They wouldn't have gotten their "expert" titles for anything if they were known for spewing out garbage responses.

My son is in University. He went into the room and was playing some funny clips to one of the roommates, however one of the clips was a pre-programmed voice on his laptop making fun of one of the roommate's girlfriend. The roommate got up and slammed his laptop closed which has internal cracks in the screen so there are colors all over the bottom right of the screen. Even though what my son did was very immature, does the roommate have to pay for breaking the laptop because he still has a freedom of speech to say whatever he wants. He also put up his hand to hit my son but stopped and went back to his desk.

If you really read into this post, there are things that happened that couldn't be repeated to this extent unless the person writing it was actually in the room.

"got up and slammed his laptop closed " and "He also put up his hand to hit my son but stopped and went back to his desk"

No wonder you got your computer broken. Now what really happened?

What I really want to know is, why lie about it?

If you really read into this post, there are things that happened that couldn't be repeated to this extent unless the person writing it was actually in the room.

"got up and slammed his laptop closed " and "He also put up his hand to hit my son but stopped and went back to his desk"

No wonder you got your computer broken. Now what really happened?

What I really want to know is, why lie about it?

Because, if you tell the truth it just makes you look bad. You have nasty stuff on
Your computer about a girl whose boyfriend just happens to be in the room. Doesn't paint
A pretty picture of you. People will probably call you out on it.

But, pretend to be the mom (the doctor mom) and no one will question it. They'll just
Give you legal advice and you can go on your merry little way being a jerk and saying
Nasty stuff about your "friends" girlfriends.

Ya, he's a peach. :rolleyes: