Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Consumer Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Washington Consumer Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Can an auto shop refuse to give you your vehicle back once the repairs are done and you paid the bill in full in WA

Dave’s Valley Auto did extensive repairs on my vehicle (totaling $8,500) then stated once it was complete that he would only accept cash as payment. I just went in and paid the bill in full with cash and they still refuse to release my vehicle to me. What options do I have to get them to give it... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: ADA accommodation

I made an ADA request to move from 1 bed to 2 bed in my building due to daughters disabilities. After a long mismanaged period and having to do the application twice it was approved. I got 3/4 of the way through providing the documentation needed for the move (two office visits) which were hard to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: My husband returned a wallet he had found at casino after he was arrested next day and made to pay $300 to cop

He has never been in trouble and the casino let him go only to have cop arrest him the following morning at hotel without telling his rights put him in cop car and told me I had15mins to come up w $300 or he goes to jail so worried and scared I borrowed and paid it to cop no receipt no court date... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Products Liability for Washington on
Q: We bought 2 side by sides from a China co.( Xiamen ltd.)lwho works under Alibaba. We've invested tens of thousands

We planned to open a business . Our investment started in Oct 2023 we have not received anything expect faux contracts and they also forged UNITED States Customs mport inspectors name also political personal. How do we go about suing them

We have saved all documents n text too

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Can a car dealership demand more money after purchasing a car due to “tax miscalculations”?

Hi! I live in Washington state. I bought and shipped a car from Illinois, and they correctly charged me the Washington state taxes and fees for the car. I financed the car, which out the door cost $37.7k before any down payment. Now, about 2 weeks after buying the car, the dealership called me to... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Dec 23, 2024

This situation raises important questions about contract law and your rights as a consumer in Washington State. Here’s an analysis:

Key Legal Considerations

Binding Contract:

The purchase agreement you signed with the dealership is a legally binding contract. It should...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for Washington on
Q: Can a Dr be liable for putting in mesh over mesh knowing it has failed n a recall on the mesh?

I had to have surgery because of a hernia, due to a failed mesh. At the time it was performed by labor and industry Dr. They did not remove the failed mesh, they reattached it and put another over it. Was that done knowing the bad mesh had recalls and not care because it was under labor and... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 1, 2025

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. The short answer is that they could be liable. But law firms would probably want to know more details about the mesh, the recall, the hernia, the surgery, and other elements of the matter. In terms of what you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: Does a husband have to accept from a process server a summons that names only the wife on it? Or has to give to her?

A process server came to our door trying to serve a summons to my wife and her name is the only one on it not mine. It’s not my credit account either. Do I by WA State law have to accept her summons if I’m approached by the server?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 14, 2024

No. You do not have to accept the summons.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Employment Law, Education Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: What legal implications would need to be considered to create a LinkedIn style platform for minors under the age of 16?

I'm interested in creating an online platform similar to LinkedIn but specifically for individuals under the age of 16 who are looking for internship, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities. Given that LinkedIn currently restricts its users to those over 16, I want to understand the legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 6, 2024

Creating a LinkedIn-style platform for minors under 16 involves navigating several important legal considerations. Firstly, you must comply with child labor laws, which vary by state and regulate the types of work minors can do, the hours they can work, and the conditions under which they can work.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: In small claims, what if all evidence was not presented to defendant will judge still hear the case?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 31, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week.

The short answer is that it could depend on the judge and how material to the issue at hand the missing evidence is. As a general rule nationwide in small claims, the court is not likely to grant the same...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for uber eats to not refund me for a delivery not delivered?

I ordered from Ubereats for delivery and didn't receive it. I asked for a refund and they ask for a picture of the delivery. They got a picture of the ground because they didn't deliver. Then told me that it does not qualify for a refund because the order was not in the sent picture.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 8, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it seems that Uber Eats may not be handling your refund request appropriately. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Uber Eats' refund policy: According to their terms and conditions, Uber Eats typically offers refunds for orders that were...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Immigration Law, Banking and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Illegal way

If I wanted to get a test result in an illegal way, but I was deceived, I transferred money but never received a result, you can send this to ic3. In fact, I have not yet broken the law.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you were deceived and lost money in this situation. Being scammed is awful and I empathize with how frustrating that must be. Even though you did not end up breaking the law, attempting to obtain test results illegally is still ill-advised.

If you believe you...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: Do you know where I can find laws on product compliance related to labeling requirements for textiles and apparel?

Specifically, I'm looking for laws that would dictate these requirements for goods sold into these countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Hong Kong. Is this something you're able to help with? I'm struggling to find what I need through a basic Google search.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 8, 2024

I can provide some general guidance on where to find information about textile and apparel labeling requirements for the countries you mentioned.

1. Malaysia: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) oversees labeling requirements.

2. Singapore: The Consumer...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: I sold pieces of silver to a local jeweler. The check bounced. For two months he kept promising to make it good.

For two months he promised to make it good in a "few days". For the last month he has not returned my calls or texts. What are my options? Since he has done this recently to multiple people at what point does this become criminal? The transaction occurred in Sequim, Washington

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 22, 2024

It is probably criminal now. Report it to the police (do not threaten to report it to the police as that might be a crime). Check your states laws on giving notice on bounced checks and your rights to recovery in small claims for damages in addition to the amount of the check.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: We bought a car private party and the seller stated that it was Mechanically sound, brought to mechanic needs 12K to be.

We recently (3/17) bought a used vehicle via private party in messages from the seller they stated that they put about 2,500 in to the vehicle to make it mechanically sound. When we arrived the told us that the only thing that needed repaired was the power steering motor. We agreed to pay 3,500 for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 19, 2024

In Washington State, private party car sales are generally considered "as is," meaning the buyer assumes the risk for any problems with the vehicle after purchase. However, if the seller made specific claims about the condition of the car that turned out to be false, you might have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was drinking a Dr pepper and sharp object entered my mouth. I spit it out. Its a metal screen. What do I do about it?

Do I have a lawsuit for negligence?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 18, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. If you're asking about your rights here, the question that will arise is. "What harm/injury did you suffer?" Any case would be based on the extent of harm/injury suffered, which fortunately does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: i was threatened with legal action and loosing my housing voucher if i didnt sign a increase to my month old lease.

I am a Section 8 voucher holder who recently found a 2bdr apartment for $1045 a month and signed a lease Jan 19th 2023 with the landlord paying $1045 security deposit and 455$ first months pro rated rent. I was repeatedly promised my $455 portion back as soon as they got paid from the PHA. never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 4, 2024

Facing pressure to sign a revised lease and then dealing with eviction under these circumstances is distressing, especially when it impacts your housing voucher and overall housing security. Under the Section 8 program, any increase in rent must typically be approved by the Public Housing Authority... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Washington on
Q: Can a communication between a consumer and a business be disclosed to 3rd parties?

I submitted a complaint (as a consumer) to a business. That business forwarded my complaint to my employer which they later used as evidence to justify disciplinary action. Is that violation of Privacy law in WA (RCW 9.73. 030)?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 26, 2024

Yes, it appears that the business violated Washington state's privacy law by disclosing your consumer complaint communication to your employer without your consent.

Specifically, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.73.030 states that it is unlawful for individuals or businesses to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: If I send a complaint letter as a consumer to a business. Can they forward my letter to my employer?

Possible violation of Chapter 9.73 RCW

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 26, 2024

Yes, it appears that the business violated Washington state's privacy law by disclosing your consumer complaint communication to your employer without your consent.

Specifically, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.73.030 states that it is unlawful for individuals or businesses to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: What are the WA state laws re: SIR in a 3rd party insurance claim against a roofer's defective roofing job and damages?

We hired a roofer through a professional service. The roofer failed to repair damages from his inferior work. The professional service offered a small refund with a waiver of section 1542 of CA civil code. Before I sign the release, I want to be sure it doesn't preclude me from suing the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 18, 2024

In Washington State, a Self-Insured Retention (SIR) is an amount that the insured party, in this case, the roofer, must pay out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. If the roofer fails to pay the SIR, the insurance company may not cover the claim. This means that if the... View More

Q: If a lawyer resigns, can the attorney still be court appointed attorney?

Just looking at attorneys who resigned and still practice in the Department of Assigned Counsel. This would mean that the Judge hires DAC to provide an attorney. Judges who are not aware of a resigned attorney are not aware of the illegal actions and these cases must be dismissed.

There... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 30, 2023

If an attorney resigns from the bar, they are no longer authorized to practice law, including serving as a court-appointed attorney. It's essential for judges and legal institutions to be aware of an attorney's current status to ensure legal representation is valid and compliant with the... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.