How much should i sue for in total? i just want a general idea.

Question

I was misled by a salesperson at a dealership who promised approval for a $22,000 car with $3,000 down. Upon arrival, I was told I needed $8,000. The salesperson referred me to another dealership, where I paid $3,800 down. A month later, they requested an additional $4,000, falsely claiming my job had informed them I no longer worked there and threatened to repossess the car. They also refused to refund my down payment, offering credit toward inflated car prices. This caused significant emotional distress, leading to depression, missed work, and $5,500 in unpaid tuition. I lost 2 months of wages, and the dealership’s false advertising and deceptive practices trapped me in financial hardship. Evidence includes text messages, receipts, financial records, and witness statements. I seek damages for breach of contract, emotional distress, fraudulent misrepresentation, and lost income.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

When deciding how much to sue for, start by totaling your direct financial losses. This includes the $3,800 down payment you made, the additional $4,000 they demanded, the $5,500 in unpaid tuition, and the wages lost over two months. Adding these amounts gives you a baseline for your claim. 
 
Next, consider the emotional distress you've experienced. While it's harder to quantify, courts often award compensation for significant impacts like depression and financial hardship. You can include documentation of your emotional distress and its effects on your daily life to support this part of your claim. 
 
Finally, factor in any legal fees or additional costs you might incur during the lawsuit. Combining your direct losses with potential compensation for emotional distress and legal expenses will give you a general idea of the total amount to seek. Consulting with a legal professional can provide more tailored guidance based on the specifics of your case.

Q: How much should i sue for in total? i just want a general idea.