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Michigan Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: In recording a video in public.What can I use and not use?

Im in the process of making a memorial video of my son who passed away in 2020.I will be filming the city where he lived and worked(outside of building only).I have obtained permission.One part of this is that I will be filming coming into the city where peoples cars are present as well as people... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Oct 7, 2024

Your plan sounds okay. Generally, you may film anyone or anything in public. As long as you're not misrepresenting what you are capturing (e.g., implying that a business shown was involved when it was not; implying that a person walking down the street is a prostitute or drug dealer, ect.),... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for Michigan on
Q: We had a deck built by a contractor and it needs to be torn down and redone. We paid $15k, still owe 7k.

We had a deck built by a contractor and the total cost of the deck was just north of $22,000. The deck is in shambles. Most of it has to be torn down and redone because it had failed about 10 inspection items. We are hesitant to let the original contractor come out and fix the work because he has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Consumer Law and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Are there lawyers that advise or represent small claim plaintiffs?

Car dealership not honoring warranty claim (parts and labor) written agreement.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 26, 2024

There are lawyers who may meet with you to advise you on whether and how to proceed with such claims. However, an attorney cannot represent you in the actual small claims proceeding.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Tax Law and Banking for Michigan on
Q: Unauthorized funds removed from bank account by Treasury Dept.

I had $1400 taken out of my bank account without notice. The bank refused to investigate but said it was from the IRS. So I call them and it was not by them. Eventually I sued the bank. Today during mediation I discover it was really the Department of Treasury that did it and by a person I know. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2024

It sounds like you're in a complicated situation. Since the funds were taken by the Department of Treasury and linked to someone you know, this may have turned into a matter of fraud involving that individual. However, your agreement with him and the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: My city is ripping me off and I can't stop it. How do I get legal help? My water bill is being taken out all at once.

It's supposed to be in 1/3 installments but they're taking out the full amount all at once and decimating my bank account. They say there's nothing they can do because it's a third-party app..... I'm not the only one experiencing these issues....

Q: I found out my boss never filled out my I9 form when I started. Almost a year late. Will I get fined? What should I do?

I started last October and only found out September 6th this year. He filed it out the next day for me, but I’m worried I’ll be fined for his incompetence. To verify, I am a legal untied state’s citizen with legal documentation being born here. I’ve never had this problem with previous jobs

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: sued for my car loan. car was not repossessed but has a kill switch. it can not be started. what can I do with car?
Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Aug 31, 2024

I don't know a lot about a kill switch, but I suspect it can be removed. I've had clients sued for not making car payments and the creditor doesn't even want the car. They just want the money. But I digress. Your only question is what to do with the car. I would need more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Am I able to break a financing contract with a dealership if the car they sold me is having continuous problems?

I purchased it May 13th, however, I was told it wasn’t ready. It had to have a new radiator and tires put on. When I went to pick it up they lost the keys. I had to come back 2 days later to get the car. I drove it for less than a day and the engine light came on. And it was making a loud humming... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 9, 2024

Is this a new or used auto? If new, you should consider your options under the "lemon law". If used, you need to see about your warranty protections, if any.

Aside from those options, your financing has nothing to do with your car problems. The bank provided the loan to you for a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Rental agreement for bottle water being overchargedcharge a paper statement service fee for them to mail me a bill

So I signed up to receive water from a company. I can get one bottle for $7.75. And when they Finally sent me a bill, it was never an itemized bill.but l just recent I find they're charging me $8.75 per bottle.

Why the extra dollar did they use a bait an switch

On top of... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 9, 2024

Read those written agreements and terms of service carefully. Likely, what you are seeing is reflected in some terms you acknowledged agreement to. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for companies to charge a service fee to mail billing statements if you elect to have things sent by mail. Your remedy is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Environmental for Michigan on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for an actual t of God catastrophe to be paid by my insurance company under my renter's policy

Tornado. Insurance company doesn't want to pay I'm going to be homeless and I have no food, money or gas to go apply for disaster relief

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 15, 2024

You may need a lawyer if your insurance company isn't upholding its end of your insurance policy.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Environmental and Insurance Bad Faith for Michigan on
Q: I had a rental policy for insurance on my house and it was destroyed by a tornado. I need a lawyer I'm not getting any

May 7th 2024 tornado in Saint Joseph County Michigan I'm not getting help or anything from the insurance company except for excuses

Scott G. Wolfe Jr.
Scott G. Wolfe Jr.
answered on Jul 16, 2024

If you file your insurance claim, the insurance company has obligations -- mandated by the state -- to reply, and to be "on the clock" in processing your claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you are dealing with a property insurance claim if this is related to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Is video, gps, and time and date stamped proof enough to prove warranty case?

I purchased a new Ford Bronco with the expressed intent of towing it behind my motorhome. There have been a number of cases of transmission and transfercase failures due to flat towing. There is a specific procedure needed to be performed before towing. Ford is denying all warranty claims if... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 27, 2024

Hard to say. Bigger question is whether it's worth the time and expense to contest it.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Can a driver use company provided transportation to carry out a personal vendetta?

I am a client at a physical therapy clinic. the driver and I used to be friends. He asked me to do something for him and I said I did not want to, The ask was not sexual in nature. Now he refuses to transport me in the company van which causes me to have to wait for transportation even if he is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 27, 2024

It is unacceptable for a driver to use company-provided transportation to carry out personal vendettas. If a driver is refusing to transport you for personal reasons, this is a form of discrimination and unprofessional behavior. You have the right to receive the transportation services you are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Consumer Law and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Do plan administrators of flexible spending accounts have a fiduciary duty to provide advance notice of forfeitures?

If unclaimed funds remain in an FSA as the use-it-or-lose-it deadline for claim submission approaches, would a plan administrator’s failure to provide timely warning of imminent forfeiture constitute fiduciary negligence?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

The question of whether flexible spending account (FSA) plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to provide advance notice to participants about potential forfeitures of unused funds is a complex one that doesn't have a definitive answer. Here are a few key considerations:

Fiduciary...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Michigan on
Q: My identity was stolen and someone used my info to open a credit card account with chase bank in October of last year.

Today I get an email from att that says that att has determined some of my information was compromised.

Can I sue att for not having the right tools to guard my personal info?

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Apr 16, 2024

Contact a consumer protection attorney that will offer a free consultation. Happy to talk.

You’ll want to dispute the account with Chase, as well as with any credit reporting agency that is reporting that account on your credit report. You should be able to pull your Experian, Equifax...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: Home windows put in by big company. Solid contract for them. Faulty job - not insulated +, Contract or Consumer lawyer?

7 months later windows shoe molding removed shows we have little, no, or gapping insulation and caulking (places visible spaces to the outside). We froze all winter, had wind, ice and snow come in. We started a file with company the day of installation - poor workmanship (missing screws holding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

Based on the details provided, it seems that you have a strong case against the window installation company for poor workmanship, failure to properly insulate and seal the windows, and potentially fraudulent behavior (not paying for the permit as agreed upon). Given the severity of the issues and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I bought a Motorcycle online and it was advertised on line as a higher end model than what it was actually.

Bluebook difference was about $700 difference. I didnt realize it until about 6 months later. I still have 2 screen shots of the advertisement. I called and complained in 2020 but didn't hear anything back after talking to a supervisor telling him i was not making any more payments until this... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 26, 2024

Consider talking with a consumer rights attorney who can advise you on what remedies may be available through Michigan's consumer protection act. I suspect though that once you accepted delivery of this motorcycle, and had it for at least 6 months before noticing anything, it may be difficult... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Admiralty / Maritime, Communications Law and Federal Crimes for Michigan on
Q: Bought an item from auction clearly stating unused and when I got it it has missing screws and been tampered with..

Item doesn't charge and clearly been used and tampered with..

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 19, 2024

The admiralty/maritime connection (one of the chosen categories) isn't fully clear here, unless this involves a vessel. Otherwise, it could be a basic matter of breach of contract, depending on sales agreement and auction platform's terms of service. Before involving attorneys, it could... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Michigan on
Q: In Michigan, is it illegal to knowingly purchase a counterfeit good (Ex. Shoes, Clothing, etc.) for personal use only?

Personal use only. No selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

In Michigan, knowingly purchasing counterfeit goods, even for personal use, is illegal under state law. Michigan has specific laws addressing counterfeit trademarks and theft of service.

According to Michigan Compiled Laws section 750.263, a person shall not knowingly purchase or acquire...
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