Mis-sent email. Can it hurt me?

[oneplace]

What is the name of your state? TN

I inadvertently sent an email to the wrong person -- an acquaintance but not a close friend -- containing some very personal information about me that could embarass me and hurt me professionally. There was nothing illegal or sexual referenced in the email, but the missent mail discussed a serious relationship problem I am having and if it were to get out it could ruin my career.

I asked the woman to delete the mail without reading it. She said that she would and did. I'm not sure I believe her.

I'm wondering if she attempts to embarass me (the email, by the was, was intended for a counselor) if I will have some kind of recourse.

Thanks

 

[fairisfair]

you sent her the email, the information in it, I assume, is true.

If she shares that information you will have no recourse.

You have no one to blame but yourself, always check your addresses for correctness before you push the send button. By the way, many email systems have a retrieve feature, perhaps you should have checked that out before notifying her of the email. I mean, who could resist a juicy piece of gossip like that????

 

[Zigner]

Email is not private...

 

[Quaere]

Google Invasion of Privacy. There are categories that could apply in your case.

1. Public disclosure of private facts -- the dissemination of truthful private information which a reasonable person would find objectionable

2. False light - the publication of facts which place a person in a false light, even though the facts themselves may not be defamatory.

The public disclosure claim refers to information that is so sensitive any reasonble person would know you don't want it dissemintated. I would send the individual another email with a CERTIFIED receipt attached, explaining to her that the contents of the prior mail, if disseminated, would cause you untold irreparable harm both personally and professionally. You will than have proof that she was was put on notice of the seriousness of the situation.

The false light claim would apply if this person disseminates what she learned, and in so doing, leads people to conclude things about you that are NOT true.

The bottom line is that when someone acquires extremely personal information about another person, they are not necessarily free to go around repeating that information. We have a duty to to refrain from actions that we know will result in injury to another.

BTW, human error happens to everyone. We can institute and do our best to adhere to safe practices but eventually no matter how we try, we will all make this sort of mistake. I’m sorry you have to go through this, as it is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.