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
Michigan Consumer Law Questions & Answers
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...
View More

View More Answers

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

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 20, 2024

A claim involving the destruction of a house should receive prompt attention, in terms of investigation, damages assessment, alternative living arrangements, and other elements. You could reach out to attorneys who handle property damage losses involving insurance. Gather and organize your file... View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
View More

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...
View More

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

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 21, 2024

If you've received an item from an auction that was listed as unused but arrived in a used and tampered condition, the first step is to document everything. Take clear photos of the item, focusing on the areas where there are missing screws and signs of tampering. Make sure to keep all the... View More

View More Answers

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

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Michigan on
Q: My dte bill accumulated to about 8800 dollars over the year, and I haven't been able to make a payment arrangement with

My dte bill accumulated to about 8800 dollars over the year, and I haven't been able to make a payment arrangement with dte because they have made unrealistic demands in the past for me to make 50 percent down as a payment into a payment plan. Now my power has been cut and they will not... 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 6, 2024

Facing a large utility bill without a feasible way to pay can be incredibly stressful, especially when the service is essential, like electricity. Utility companies do have the right to require payment for services rendered and can disconnect services for non-payment. However, they are often also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: michigan. my mom is only one on car title. she died dec 2022. it's bequethed to me in will. no probate. everything joint

ly owned except car. i'm executor/personal rep of will. i've been driving it and paying the car loan and ins monthly since dec 2022. tabs are now expired. everything still in her name. lien on car. can't transfer title, not enough $$ for pay off. neighbor says i can register the car,... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 1, 2024

Well -- you COULD lie and claim to be your deceased mother, and renew the plates, but then you have to also lie to the insurance company and risk getting caught in insurance fraud .... etc. I'd suggest that isn't such a good idea.

Can you get new tabs for the car without...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I bought product from a store.when I went to pick it up they refused me.wanted to give me a refund. I need the product

I bought supplies from Lowes. Came back with a truck to pick it up. they refused me and offered a refund. They had previously sold it to someone else. I have a receipt for the supplies. I don't want the refund I need the supplies I paid for.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 12, 2024

Your rights in this situation could depend on various factors, including the terms and conditions of the purchase, any agreements made at the time of the transaction, and applicable consumer protection laws in Michigan.

In general, sellers are expected to fulfill their contractual...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I was a previous policy holder with Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company. I made monthly automatic withdrawal payments

I’m curious about the possibility of a cash value for the policy. The policy payments were made per automatic monthly withdrawals from my bank account. The time frame of these payments was in the 1970’s. I’m curious as to possibly cash value resulting from the policy payments made.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 27, 2023

To determine if your policy with Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company has a cash value, the first step is to gather all relevant documentation related to your insurance policy. This includes any policy statements, receipts, or records of payments made during the 1970s. These documents are crucial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: What can I do about Dealership fraud

I purchased a used car for a small used dealership.it was listed as a2010 with 145k miles. I purchased and didn't read the paper work. It's really a 2007 with 195k miles. They changed the mileage babe. He only refunded me $400. What should I do.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 1, 2023

You may sue the dealership in small claims court for fraud. In Michigan, small claims court can hear cases involving up to $6,500.

In your complaint, you must allege that the dealership defrauded you by selling you a car with a different mileage than the one listed on the odometer. You will...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I signed a solar/battery install contract. The system is incomplete and doesn't function as agreed. What are my options?

Hello everyone. I worked at and purchased a solar panel system from a solar installer in Michigan. There is a panel that is not functioning and I have had no help from the installation company for literally 87days. The battery was to be installed in 2022 when available. The battery is still not... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 6, 2023

You will need to sue the solar installer for breach of contract. In most instances, the finance company is not responsible for the solar system not working. All it did was provide money pursuant to a loan. The company that sold you the system, and the manufacturer of the system, are legally... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Banking and Collections for Michigan on
Q: What type of lawyer do I need for my issue?

So the situation is I have a credit card that I got behind on and was being bombarded with 2-3 calls a day on average totaling way more than the reasonable amount allowed. Everytime I would try and awnser to request they stop I would get dead air then disconnected leading me to believe they are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 8, 2023

You may consider reaching out to an attorney who focuses on consumer rights or consumer protection law to handle this matter. They can assist in assessing whether the collection practices violate the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and help you... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Michigan on
Q: I have a car that has broken down over 30 times in 6 months. Dealership says they can't fix it. What can I do?
Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Aug 4, 2023

It you purchased the vehicle new, it may qualify for Michigan's Lemon Law.

If you purchased the vehicle used, but with either a warranty or service contract, you may have legal options.

If you purchased the vehicle "as-is", your legal options are limited or...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Can an LLC keep you from forwarding their emails to a credit card company to settle a chargeback dispute?

...

Adam Alexander
Adam Alexander
answered on Jun 22, 2023

You can be sued for anything, really. But based on your summary I wouldn't worry about getting sued. The plaintiff in any lawsuit is required to prove damages. I doubt this LLC has been harmed by what you've done, as explained. (I probably wouldn't have admitted to forwarding these... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: My cousin was convicted and sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in Michigan.

He has several student debt loans. He has never defaulted, but I believe has an IBR or IDR plan in place. Can something be done while he is incarcerated where the collection or reapplying for the IBR or IDR every year stops? Can the

interest stop until he is released?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 5, 2023

I do not believe there are provisions exclusive to incarcerated individuals. I think he'll need to contact his student loan servicing agency, or have someone do it on his behalf through a power of attorney form. I would think it's a matter of certifying each year that he has no income... 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.