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Missouri Consumer Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: Negotiating fair settlement for car accident damage

I was involved in an accident caused by another party, and their insurance company is offering a low settlement offer that doesn't cover all the damage to my car. I have collision coverage. How can I negotiate to receive a fair settlement amount?

Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on Jun 6, 2025

I'm not licensed in Missouri, so this isn't legal advice—it's general guidance. If you're looking to negotiate a fair settlement after a car accident and feel the offer from the at-fault party’s insurer is too low, here are a few practical steps:

Document Everything:...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Insurance Defense for Missouri on
Q: Cancellation options for AOB contract signed by non-policyholder in Missouri.

My brother signed an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form with a roofing company to repair the roof without understanding the implications. He is not listed on the insurance policy or the home mortgage, but the contract states they will retain 35% of the insurance payout if canceled. My brother wants... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on May 15, 2025

The roofing company's contract is not enforceable because it was signed by someone who lacks the authority to act on your parent's behalf. Your brother is not on the hook for anything because he has not breached the contract. If canceled, the roofing company is entitled to 35% of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I contact the plaintiff to settle an online loan default before court?

I was served with a summons to appear in Missouri's St. Louis County Associate Circuit Court on June 30, 2025, for defaulting on an online loan which was sold or transferred. Am I able to contact the plaintiff to make arrangements before going to court?

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on May 9, 2025

You are free to contact the attorney and to try to work out a settlement. If enough money is at issue and you are concerned about your credit, I suggest you hire an attorney to represent you. If you show up at court on your own, you'll likely enter into a consent judgment, which is a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Can an Instagram agreement enforce a $1,000 cancellation fee for a high school student?

I'm a high school student, and I agreed to a deal with someone on Instagram where I paid $100 for online tutoring on making money. I signed an agreement with terms that if I backed out, I would have to pay a $1,000 fee. I paid $100 but decided to leave a week later without receiving or taking... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Apr 28, 2025

I should note that no attorney can accurately assess the ramifications of a contract without reading it in its entirety. That said, I will offer the following:

First, how old are you? Under Missouri law, you are not competent to enter into a contract until you are eighteen (18) years old....
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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 &...
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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Real Estate Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: What are my legal options after uninsured motorist damaged my house in Missouri?

I recently had an uninsured motorist run into my house, causing damage to the porch, patio, and yard. I've filed a claim with my homeowners insurance, which will cover the porch and patio repairs. A police report was filed, and I have the motorist's information, but no legal action has... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 5, 2025

Find out if citations were issued against the driver, then go to Court as a victim looking for restitution. A guilty plea will be negligence per se for any civil suit. Read your home policy, as it may prohibit you from suing for money that is an insured risk where the ins co is subrogated to.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Am I obligated to return an unordered monitor sent by mistake in Missouri?

I bought a computer from a company, and they mistakenly sent me a monitor along with the computer. The package was correctly addressed to me. The company contacted me via email today, March 3, 2025, requesting that I return the unordered monitor that I received on February 28, 2025. I have not... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Mar 3, 2025

Just because a company makes a mistake, does not mean you get a windfall. The company is legally permitted to require you to return the inadvertently delivered item. However, the company cannot require you to incur any expense associated with the return.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Lemon Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Advice on legal actions for car purchase and warranty issues in Missouri with no dealer response.

I purchased a used car with a 60-day warranty from a dealer in June 2024 in Kansas City. Within this period, I had to replace the engine, radiator, hoses, and work on the transmission, totaling over $10,000 in repairs. I sent two letters to the dealer with the repair bills but received no response.... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Feb 20, 2025

If you complied with the warranty provisions in getting the repairs, you can pursue a claim for breach of contract and possibly a violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Typically you are required to get the work completed by the dealer that sold you the car, or if it doesn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Missouri on
Q: Purchased a bad used car for $10,000 from a private seller. The car needs over $17,000 in repairs.

Is there any recourse for this?

Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Buying a used car from a private seller can be tricky, especially when you end up with a huge repair bill like that. In Missouri, private sales are generally "as-is," meaning once you buy it, you take on the risk of any repairs or issues unless the seller gave you specific promises about... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Construction Law for Missouri on
Q: Is it true that since a scam in 2018 where I sent cash to someone through Western Union I cann not sue that person

Is it true that since a scam in 2018 where I sent cash to someone through Western Union I cann not sue that person

I mean like having them proscuted now they live in the US I know there contact information and they live in Illinois and I am in Missouri thank you in advanced

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

There's no blanket rule preventing you from pursuing legal action against someone who scammed you in 2018 via Western Union. However, there are some important factors to consider:

1. Statute of limitations: Each state has time limits for filing lawsuits or criminal charges. You'll...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Construction Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Missouri on
Q: Do I owe my electrician money?

I received a quote for whole house rewiring and finishing. It was divided into the rewiring and finishing and then the second line item was for new amp service. He did the new amp service to my knowledge and the rewiring. I paid him 60% of the total bill which I thought was paid in full for the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 13, 2024

If you received a quote, agreed for him to do the work, and he started doing the work but hasn't finished it, you have a contract even if you do not have a fully integrated written document commemorating of the terms of your agreement.

If you breach the agreement by not allowing him to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking and Business Law for Missouri on
Q: thy messed up my car loan.

On 03/06/2024, I financed a 2019 Mustang GT. My credit needs work as I am young and simply have not established credit. Anyway, I was approved, signed all the paperwork, and made a nice downpayment. The rate I signed for was 17% for 48 months, and this was through Westlake. I had to have the car... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 21, 2024

I understand your frustration and concern about the change in your car loan terms. It's unusual for a lender to request a new contract with different terms after the initial agreement has been signed. Here are a few steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Contact Westlake...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Consumer Law for Missouri on
Q: Can I be not let into a bar because of personal reasons?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

Absolutely, you can be denied entry to a bar for various personal reasons. This might include not meeting the dress code, showing signs of excessive intoxication, or previous issues such as altercations or unpaid tabs. Each establishment has its own rules and guidelines which they are legally... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Collections for Missouri on
Q: I got a problem with angi ads could you please help me, they want to overcharged me

Angi ads and I maked a contract but I didn’t know that I have to pay a 35% fee of unused time, they didn’t told me that they said it after I signed up, however checking the contract I saw that it also said that if break the contract before the 90 days of beginning I’ll pay $99 fee, and I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

Facing a situation where you're being overcharged can be stressful, especially when the charges seem to come from unclear contract terms. If Angi ads are asking for a significantly higher fee than you expected, the first step is to carefully review the contract you signed. Look for any clauses... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Consumer Law and Employment Law for Missouri on
Q: My former employer did not list my federal taxes paid on my w-2. It shows the paid state and other taxes. What can I do?

This school is a charter for the St. Louis Public Schools. While there I was harassed by my “team leader” and when the administrators would not help me, I had to quit because it was causing me severe mental distress.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Here are a few options you can pursue regarding the incorrect W-2 from your former employer:

1. Contact your former employer's payroll or HR department and request a corrected W-2 that accurately reflects the federal taxes withheld from your paychecks throughout the year. All employers...
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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Health Care Law for Missouri on
Q: My groceries showed up from DoorDash with blood on them. As well as blood on my porch. not refund me. Have pics
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In a situation where your grocery delivery arrives with blood on it, the first step is to document the issue thoroughly. Take clear photographs of the groceries and your porch as evidence. This documentation will be crucial in any subsequent actions you take.

Next, contact DoorDash customer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Missouri on
Q: Hi, I have experienced discrimination at my bank.

I am calling regularly to check on my account balances, and one person that answers occasionally at this bank is very rude and unprofessional, and It is very personal and discriminating I feel because of my Latino name. I called today and spoke with the manager about it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you believe that you are being discriminated against by an employee at your bank because of your Latino name, this is a serious concern. Discrimination in the provision of services, including banking services, on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin, is prohibited under federal law... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Missouri on
Q: Sue for a scam/ fraud?s

Sue for a scam/ fraud?

Hello, I had a question august 23rd/24th 2018 I sent money using cash with Western union and I was wondering if I could still sue the scammer cause i know all the deatails they do not live in the same state unfourtnalty but he does live in the US.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In cases involving scams or fraud, the possibility of legal action depends on several factors, including the statute of limitations, which varies by state and the type of fraud committed. Considering the incident occurred in August 2018, you should promptly check the specific statute of limitations... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Missouri on
Q: Can a electric coop go back 25 years and say you owe a bill just out of the blue and shut your service off?

I'm on a prepay plan and I went to credit my account and I had a 523.00 bill on my account. So I call them and they said it was from 25 years ago and I had to pay it to continue service. When i went in to have my account opened they won't even think about giving you service if you have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In addressing your concern, it's important to understand that utility companies, including electric co-ops, generally have specific regulations and policies about billing and debt collection. The ability of a company to charge for a debt incurred 25 years ago can vary depending on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Internet Law for Missouri on
Q: Is it legal for companies to keep emailing me after I request removal?

I have been receiving weekly emails from multiple companies for a few months despite having repeatedly requested to be unsubscribed using their unsubscribe buttons and by directly emailing them. I have also tried blocking their emails, but they still appear in my spam box. Is it legal for these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025

You're absolutely right to feel annoyed and even violated by this. Under U.S. law, specifically the CAN-SPAM Act, companies are required to honor your request to unsubscribe from their marketing emails. They must stop sending messages within 10 business days after you’ve opted out, and... View More

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