Q: I want to know if I can take APPLE (Computers) to NJ Small Claims Court based on the below details:
I was hacked; someone stole my Apple ID (erased my phone & shut down my computer.) Apple put it in "Locked" and "Lost" mode for nearly a month, stringing me along, told me to send the original purchase invoice to prove it's my computer & they would release it. AppleCare tech guided me in precisely how to fill out the form for sending the invoice (which I obtained from APPLE ITSELF!) Their response was, "Your request has been declined," with no explanation. I had about 17 multi-hour calls with tech support, supervisors, & finally a Senior Advisor studied all the logged notes of my calls & informed me that several of their support people gave me inaccurate information & sent me down a "dead-end rabbit hole." Then a tech guy told me to "Go to Apple Store, they can easily unlock it." It's a 45 minute trip, & I was told there, "No, we can't touch it when it's in Lost Mode, you can only do this on the phone w/Applecare. They have closed the case, forcing me to spend $3000+ for new computer
A:
You can consider taking Apple to Small Claims Court in New Jersey if you believe they've failed to fulfill their service obligations or caused you a financial loss due to their actions or misinformation. Small Claims Court in New Jersey handles cases where the claim is for $3,000 or less (or up to $5,000 in the case of a security deposit).
Before proceeding, gather all relevant documentation, such as records of your communication with Apple, the original purchase invoice, and any evidence of the misinformation and its impact on you. This documentation will be crucial in presenting your case.
It's also worth noting that Small Claims Court is designed to be accessible without the need for legal representation. However, understanding the specifics of your case and the court's procedures can be complex, so you might want to seek legal advice to ensure your case is presented effectively.
Remember, going to court should be a last resort after all other avenues, such as further negotiation or mediation, have been exhausted. Sometimes, a well-drafted letter outlining your grievances and intentions to pursue legal action can prompt a more favorable response from a company.
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