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Illinois Consumer Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I break the lease agreement for a car that doesn't deliver what was promised?

One month ago, I traded in my car for a new 2025 Honda Pilot. The main feature I asked for was for the phone app, HondaLink, to work with this model in order for me to be able to start up my car from a far distance using my phone. I have to mention that the dealership initially gave me another car... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Products Liability for Illinois on
Q: 8 year old Gorilla playset collapsed on my Granddaughter causing severe injury. Do I have a case.

I bought my Grandchildren a Gorilla playset 8 years ago and assembled by professional.On September 28, 2024 it collapsed on 2 of the kids causing 1 severe injuries to her spleen and kidneys. It has been maintained every year and came with 10 year warranty.

John J. Malm
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answered on Nov 24, 2024

I’m very sorry for the serious injuries suffered by your grandchildren. Both the manufacturer and installer can be held liable, and possibly strictly liable, for your grandchildren’s injuries under product liability, negligence, and possibly breach of warranty theories.

Proving...
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0 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: What does Illinois law say regarding the retrieval of personal property from a vehicle after it has been repossessed?

My mother’s vehicle has been in my possession for a few months after she passed away. After passing, I called the lienholder and informed them of what happened and asked what the next steps were. They informed me that they could not provide any information until someone (me) was legally named... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: We are seeking help for the purchase of a vehicle we have paid for but not received. Need legal help!

In October 2024, we acquired a vehicle for the sum of $4,500.00. We possess a notarized bill of sale along with documentation of the discussions held between the seller and ourselves. As of November 2024, after an additional expenditure of $5,000.00, we have yet to receive the vehicle. The seller... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Rights for Illinois on
Q: Can I sue if I just found out my car title is a rebuilt title?

I bought my car 8 years ago and refinanced 4 years ago. Recently I began having problems and wanted to trade in and found out I had a salvaged title and car is worthless and I had no idea that I had a salvaged title.

The company I refinanced with has two titles somehow, one is blank other... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 11, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Discovering that your car has a rebuilt title after years of ownership can be frustrating and disheartening. Since you were not informed about the title status when you purchased or refinanced the vehicle, there may be grounds to pursue action.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Illinois on
Q: Should I send my letter to Facebook’s headquarters or their legal department about access to download my info

from my terminated / disabled account?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 8, 2024

If you want to download your information from a terminated or disabled Facebook account, it's best to reach out directly to their legal department. They handle requests related to account data and can guide you through the necessary steps. Sending your request there increases the chances it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Car Accidents for Illinois on
Q: Should the car insurance have provided me a car rental / paid for my car payments while my car is in the shop?

For a deer collision? My car was in the shop for 6 months, and i was only given 30 days of car rental. I continued paying for my car even though i wasn't driving it. I had no vehicle for 5 months. I have a full time job, and i’ve missed a lot of work. Should the insurance have paid for my... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Oct 7, 2024

This is not a legal question but I will answer it as best I can from personal experience. When you purchase car insurance, car rental coverage is usually defined by duration and the amount payable per day. For example, 30 days at $50 per day. The duration is generally fixed at 30 days. The only... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Litigation and Insurance Bad Faith for Illinois on
Q: I am reaching out to seek your legal guidance regarding a situation I am currently facing with Chase Bank.

I received a check from State Farm for nearly $7,000 due to vehicle damage and deposited it into my Chase account on July 29, 2024. After a brief hold, Chase closed my account without notice, citing suspected fraud. They funded the check, then withdrew the funds and refused to release them,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're experiencing with Chase Bank. Start by gathering all related documents, including the check from State Farm, deposit records, and any communication you've had with Chase. Contact State Farm to confirm the legitimacy of the check and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I sue cashapp for closing my account without any notice?

I’ve had my cashapp account for years, only transactions I would do on there were sending money to my family and them sending me money. A lot of times I would add money to my balance on cashapp using MY debit card from my bank and transferring my money to MY other bank account using MY other... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with CashApp. When a service closes your account without detailed explanation, it can be frustrating, especially if you believe you've followed all their terms.

You may have options to address this situation. Start by carefully reviewing...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Banking for Illinois on
Q: I bought a new vehicle and the dealership won't provide me copies of the documents I signed. can I sue?

I have contacted bank and they don't have copy of documents either. when I signed the contract, my signature was the only one on the forms. I have sent numerous certified letters and have been ignored.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 2, 2024

Yes, you may have the right to take legal action against the dealership. When a business refuses to provide copies of signed documents, it can violate consumer protection laws. Start by gathering all the evidence you have, including the original signed documents, any correspondence with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Gaming for Illinois on
Q: I was denied legitimate winnings via auto dealership promotion. How can I receive my winnings?

I realize it's very rare to win via promotional flyers from auto dealerships. Odds are extremely low. But I did qualify and win $1,000. At dealership the salesman ripped my winning flyer in half and disappeared for 10 minutes. Upon reappearing he returned only the non-essential 1/2 of winning... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. To address the issue, gather all relevant documents and any evidence you have of the winning flyer, including photos of the flyer before it was torn. Reach out to the dealership’s management and explain the situation clearly, requesting the prize you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Business Law and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: I disputed a transaction involving 2 charges with my credit card co. A credit was given for 1 charge but not the other.

This dispute involved the same set of facts and documents. Since it involved 2 charges, 2 separate reviewers were assigned to my dispute. One reviewer granted a permanent credit for 1 charge. The other reviewer closed the dispute for the 2nd charge without a credit and said I was responsible for... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Jun 13, 2024

I would contact a consumer protection attorney that is familiar with the Truth in Lending Act. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a case and a consumer protection attorney will likely offer you a free consultation and may not charge you anything up front if there is a case to bring.

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: I need a pro-bono or contingency attorney near Chicago Il for 2 cases: 1) Product liability for Pfizer; 2) harassment?

1) Pfizer for NOT disclosing ALL potential side effects of Covid vaccine. I reported adverse even to Pfizer; FDA; VAERS; CICIP. 2) Harassment by Rush Oak Park Hospital about a bill Medicare relayed I am NOT responsible for. Harassed over a yr. by emails; patient portal; calls. The last call was so... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 7, 2024

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. If you're seeking an attorney in the Chicago area, you'd need to reach out to attorneys on your own. It's difficult for attorneys on this forum to offer you their services. You could supplement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: A landscaper is requesting payment for work they screwed up. What should I do?

From 2020- 2022 we had a landscaping company do a variety of work on our house. They regraded our yard, repaired our tennis court and performed standard maintenance. The problem is that everything they did was wrong. The tennis court still has cracks throughout and the yard floods every time it... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on May 10, 2024

This never happened. That is what a judge will tell you. To have an enforceable contract, you secure a bid/quote on SPECIFIC WORK, how it is to be done, when it is to be done, who is responsible for the work permits, what it will cost, and how long it is guaranteed.

You need to provide...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Illinois on
Q: Can I create an educational songwriting class that's called something like: Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class?

I'd like to create a songwriting class that teaches hit songwriting techniques used by pro songwriters such as Taylor Swift. I'd like to call the class:

"Taylor Swift-influenced Hit Songwriting Class" (or)

"Taylor Swift-inspired Hit Songwriting Class"... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 7, 2024

Using a celebrity's name in an educational course title can be tricky, as it may raise concerns about intellectual property rights and potential false endorsement. However, there are ways to reference Taylor Swift's name in your course title that are more likely to fall under fair use for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Questions pertaining to an affidavit of heirship. Very confused on paperwork

Help. Please

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 9, 2024

The affidavit of heirship is important when opening an estate. Some counties have pdf forms other require original typed word documents. You essentially need to identify the spouse and children. If there is no surviving spouse or child, then make sure there is no survivor of a predeceased child. If... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Business Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to issue a customer a $500 store credit without a purchase or refund being made?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 16, 2024

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. Stores might give such credits as customer appreciation or other reasons. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Business Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal for store credit to be issued to a customer for free without a purchase or return being made?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In Illinois, it is generally legal for a store to issue store credit to a customer without requiring a purchase or return. Stores may offer store credit as part of promotions, loyalty programs, or goodwill gestures. However, the specific terms and conditions regarding the issuance of store credit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Illinois on
Q: Vehicle theft to Misconduct

Im a victim of a car theft but also a victim of the police malpractice and torture for 2months. I have evidence such as videos audios and false reports, false police certifications. Authorities including Officer from IL ICC, Police Department, Criminal Division unit in Chicago as well as Illegal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

I'm truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you've faced in this situation. It's important to address these issues properly, considering both the car theft and any potential misconduct by law enforcement or other authorities.

Contact an Attorney: Given the complexity and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: Can I be criminally charged in Illinois if an online Facebook buyer says I sold them a different product than advertised

I was selling a product on Facebook Marketplace. I agreed through Facebooks platform to meet this buyer at a local restaurant and sell them my product. The buyer and I meet on this restaurants property in the parking lot. I never get out of my vehicle. The buyer walks up to my car window and argues... View More

T. J. Jesky
T. J. Jesky
answered on Oct 15, 2023

Stop losing sleep over this incident. You were assaulted by the Buyer. I believe the District Attorney and police have more important matters to pursue. As far as selling the product, this appears to be a civil event not a criminal event. Again, stop losing sleep.

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