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
Consumer Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Is it legal to repossess an occupied car on a public street?

Is it legal for a repo truck to hook up a car that is up for repossession while it is occupied? In my case, there was no interaction before the car was hooked up, as they claimed they didn't see the driver sitting in it. The repossession occurred on a public street, and no documents or proof... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 4, 2025

There is no legal prohibition on repossessing a car just because it is occupied; however, it is a traffic violation to tow a vehicle with a person inside. So, the repo company will not be issued a citation simply for hooking up the repossessed vehicle to the tow truck, but the driver could be... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Consumer Law for Ohio on
Q: How can I legally address tip discrepancies in a mom-and-pop shop without HR?

As an employee, my compensation includes a 45% commission and 100% of my tips. However, I've noticed discrepancies where tips are entered incorrectly; for instance, a $23 tip was recorded as $20. This issue happens frequently, and accessing the computer system to document it is difficult... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Apr 3, 2025

More information is needed to properly answer this, but generally, you should begin documenting everything if you haven’t already. Include dates/shifts worked, tips received v entered, communications with the employer / manager about your pay. Ask them directly what the process is, in writing, if... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Can I sue a Miami car dealership and bank for fraud related to a car purchase?

I would like to know if I can sue a bank and a car dealership for fraud. My wife and I purchased a used car at a dealership in Miami, FL on February 15, 2025, and encountered several issues: my last name was spelled incorrectly on the documents; the down payment was recorded as $4,200, despite us... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 3, 2025

You should take your documents to a lawyer right away. We do not have any way of reviewing your purchase agreement and contracts in this forum.

Most used car sales are "as is" and it's up to the buyer to have the car inspected prior to purchase irrespective of what the...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: How can I proceed legally after questionable job offer with financial transactions and lost bank access?

I was offered a job with Graceland Logistics, Inc for online chat support and provided a contract, which I received through Tik Tok. They requested personal and financial information, including my bank account details. Recently, they asked me to carry out transactions involving Apple Cash, bank... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 1, 2025

You are being scammed! No legitimate company does things that way. They also wanted you to Commit fraud and/or money laundering for them. Your desperation for a job is clouding your judgment. You should report this to the FBI.

Do not do something like this again! Not trying to be harsh,...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Contracts and Consumer Law for Georgia on
Q: Accident with wrong license plate registered on vehicle; impact of discrepancy?

I was involved in an accident where my truck's brakes failed while going downhill, causing me to crash into a dumpster and the side of a building. When the first officer on the scene ran my truck's tag, it showed as registered to a green Mustang instead of my green Dodge truck. How might... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 1, 2025

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. A starting point could be to check DMV records for the discrepancy. In terms of pending claims from the dumpster owner or building owner, the license plate discrepancy is not likely to present any kind of defense -... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Identity Theft, Real Estate Law and Consumer Law for California on
Q: How to safeguard lease agreements with tenants using different last names?

I am a landlord of a small family commercial retail space considering a potential tenant application. The applicant has two last names: one on state documents like their driver's license and US passport (which they claim is their birth last name), and another on years of IRS tax filings and... View More

Shawn R. Jackson
PREMIUM
Shawn R. Jackson pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 1, 2025

On the assumption that you want to bind "all" tenants and individuals occupying the space, you will want all names and any "aliases" that they may be using. One of several "focus points" you will want as the landlord in the lease, along with any personal guarantees ...... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Landlord didn't disclose lead paint, child affected, options?

I signed a lease agreement for my rental property, but my landlord did not disclose any information about possible lead paint. I recently discovered that my child has lead in his system. The landlord has offered $2,500 to help us move out. What are my legal options in this situation?

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 31, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to your son. There is no safe lead level in the blood which can cause developmental delays in children. Depending on your son's lead levels and whether it can be causally connected with your apartment, he could have a viable claim against the landlord for lead... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Landlord didn't disclose lead paint, child affected, options?

I signed a lease agreement for my rental property, but my landlord did not disclose any information about possible lead paint. I recently discovered that my child has lead in his system. The landlord has offered $2,500 to help us move out. What are my legal options in this situation?

Stephen Bilkis
PREMIUM
Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 31, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about your child’s health issue and the stress this situation has caused. Exposure to lead, especially for young children, can have serious and lasting effects. In New York, landlords have specific legal responsibilities when it comes to disclosing and addressing the presence... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I legally use a decommissioned ambulance as a personal vehicle in Maryland?

I live in Maryland and want to own and operate a decommissioned ambulance as a personal vehicle, possibly converting it into a camper van. I'm concerned about the legality, insurance, and registration requirements for such a vehicle. Are there any laws in Maryland preventing this, and what... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 31, 2025

Yes, you can register and drive a de-commissioned ambulance as a used truck. You must remove all emergency lights and logos/wording/markings designating it as an emergency vehicle (the words “emergency,” “EMS,” crosses, etc.). You should check with the MVA whether anything else must be... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can my landlord charge a lockout fee not in the lease in Los Angeles?

I am a tenant in Los Angeles, and my landlord has posted signs around the building that lockout fees will be charged, even if a locksmith is not needed. This fee was not mentioned in the lease agreement when I signed it. Is it legal for my landlord to impose such a fee?

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Mar 28, 2025

If a landlord wants to change a lease term, written notice is required in most cases. However, as you state, nothing is stated in the lease regarding such a charge. Since a landlord is not required to let a tenant in, there is nothing keeping them from charging for such a service. If you get locked... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Products Liability and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: A legal question for a YouTube video/ documentary I’m making about steroid use

Hi, I’m planning to interview a person who uses steroids and an illegal steroid dealer for a YouTube video. I’ll be blocking the dealer’s face and voice for anonymity. I just want to confirm if it’s completely legal to feature these interviews, or if there are any potential legal issues I... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 28, 2025

From a civil law perspective: Best to get each interviewee's signed consent, specifying in detail exactly what you will do with the video(s), how long the video(s) will be public, and releasing you from any liability in connection with the video(s); otherwise, you are potentially opening... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: How can I find the correct service address for USAA Insurance regarding my car accident lawsuit in GA?

I was involved in a car accident in Columbia County, Georgia, and I am looking to file a lawsuit against USAA Insurance related to my uninsured motorist (UM) claim. USAA has advised that they do not need to inform me where to send service for the lawsuit. How do I find the correct address for... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on Mar 28, 2025

You need to serve USAA's registered agent. You can find the registered agent by looking on the website for the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State - Corporation's Division. Here is the link - https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch. My only word of caution is to make sure you have... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury and Small Claims for Missouri on
Q: Do I have a case against a dealership in Missouri for costly repairs after initial work on my Mercedes?

I took my Mercedes back to the dealership where I purchased it after discovering a coolant leak. The dealership performed a diagnostic on 1/27/25 and recommended repairs costing $1,119.19 that were not covered by the warranty. After picking up the car on 2/3/25, I noticed a check engine light,... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Mar 26, 2025

You "have a case" if you file one. Whether you'll win will depend on a variety of factors.

In general, in Missouri, “in every contract to perform work there is an implied agreement that the work will be done in a skillful and workmanlike manner.” Baerveldt &...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Insurance Bad Faith, Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: Paid for car insurance via dealership, no coverage record; need help.

I bought a car on March 7, 2025, with the requirement to have full coverage insurance in order to drive it off the lot. The car salesman informed me that he would set up insurance for $401. I paid this amount via Cash App but did not receive a declarations page or any official documentation. On... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 26, 2025

First things first. Begin by contacting the dealer and requesting the name and contact information of the insurance company. In the future, avoid the situation by comparing various insurance carriers ahead of time and advising them of your intention to purchase this make and model vehicle so... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law for California on
Q: Paid $79 to WePhone Apps Inc. for misleading six-month membership. Requested refund denied.

I am an overseas user of WePhone Apps Inc. and paid $79 for a six-month membership due to misleading advertising. The ad suggested the membership included a phone number subscription, but it only removed advertisements and provided no call services. I immediately requested a refund, but they... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Mar 26, 2025

Related Details: I am an overseas user of WePhone Apps Inc. and paid $79 for a six-month membership due to misleading advertising. The ad suggested the membership included a phone number subscription, but it only removed advertisements and provided no call services. I immediately requested a... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Financed car issues with dealer and finance company in Florida

I financed my first car and signed the contract on March 4th. The dealer lied and left out important information. Initially, I was told the car was $4,000, but then the dealer said it was $6,000, leading me to finance the car since I only had $5,000. I paid a $3,000 down payment, but the contract... View More

Dominique Young
Dominique Young
answered on Mar 26, 2025

The court is going to look to the terms of the contract first. Whatever you signed on the contract is what the court will start with first in determining what is to be paid and to whom. Anything that you agreed to prior to the signing of the contract, that is not written in the contract, is not... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: Is it standard for insurance to require waivers for future claims in settlement offers?

I was involved in a rear-end collision while stopped at a traffic light. I visited the hospital two days later and was prescribed painkillers. The pain persisted, leading me to return to the hospital a month later. I've been in contact with the at-fault driver's insurance company. They... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 30, 2025

They generally present claimants with a release. What you describe as a disclosure appears to have the general effect of a release in precluding your rights to future claims or money. One would need to see the exact terms of your documents to advise meaningfully, but in general their purpose is to... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Found medication pill in Kroger broccoli slaw, what should I do?

I found half a pill and some pieces in prepackaged Kroger broccoli slaw while eating it and spat it out. As an RN, I'm certain it's medication due to pill markings (numbers on it). I have the pill, pieces, and remaining slaw in its packaging. It's too late to contact Kroger today,... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 26, 2025

If you are correct, a deli worker dropped prescription medication while making coleslaw. Failure to notice or remediate the situation constitutes negligence that can be imputed to Kroger. That said, notwithstanding Kroger's negligence, if you suffered no ill effect from ingesting the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Insurance Bad Faith and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Car lender claimed insurance was included; got ticket for no insurance, no proof provided. What are my rights?

I purchased a car in 2022, and the lender stated that insurance was included in the car note, but they have not provided proof despite multiple requests. I received a ticket for not having insurance, and the lender refuses to provide documentation. I had a written agreement and several... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 26, 2025

There are different types of insurance. The law requires the driver of a motor vehicle to carry proof of liability insurance and provide it upon request to a police officer. This is what you can get a ticket for. It would be very unusual for a lender to provide this type of insurance.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Purchased car advertised as clean title, found salvage with misfiring engine.

I purchased a 1999 Porsche 986 a couple of months ago from a seller who recently moved to Florida from Kansas. He advertised the vehicle as having a clean title and a perfectly running engine. However, I later discovered the title is salvage and the engine started misfiring the night I brought the... View More

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Mar 25, 2025

Was there a contract signed related to the transaction or at the very least an email reflecting those terms? If not, you may still have a viable claim against the seller, but it will ultimately be a he said/ she said situation and likely no ability to recover attorneys fees. It may not be a lawsuit... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.