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Washington Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Consumer Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Washington on
Q: Do I need a subpoena to request communication records from my insurance company in WA?

I am a patient in Washington State facing significant issues with my medical insurance company due to incorrect information provided over the last three years. I have requested all communication records, including phone calls and chat transcripts, from the insurance company since I signed up on... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 16, 2025

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your frustration in trying to compile your records. I cannot advise on the specifics of navigating medical record requests in Washington State - a local attorney would know those channels best.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can blurred vision after misadvertised lenses in eye surgery be medical malpractice?

I underwent eye surgery and received lenses that were misadvertised. Since the surgery, I have been experiencing blurred vision. Can I get legal advice on whether this may constitute medical malpractice and what steps I should take?

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Jun 16, 2025

Yes, blurred vision after receiving misadvertised lenses during eye surgery may constitute medical malpractice if the surgeon failed to inform you of the risks or misrepresented the benefits and performance of the lenses. Under California’s MICRA law, you may recover up to $430,000 (as of 2025)... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: What can I do if my parcel from Aramex hasn't arrived and is not insured?

I was supposed to receive a parcel from Aramex containing my R3000 Nike shoes by March 4th, but it still hasn't arrived as of March 6th. I've contacted Aramex, but I haven't received any response from them. The parcel wasn't insured. What legal steps can I take to address this issue?

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 5, 2025

Hello - you stated you were supposed to receive a package by March 4th and haven't received the pacage by March 6th, but today is March 5th, not 6th.

There is nothing "legally" that you can do if a package is one day late but ask for a refund if you paid extra for delivery by... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Can Grocery Outlet enforce a policy against backpacks but not purses?

I'm wondering if Grocery Outlet can legally refuse to let me shop unless I leave my backpack at the counter, which to me appears to violate my 4th Amendment rights. They claim it is store policy, but they only enforce this on individuals with backpacks, not women with shoulder bags or purses.... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

This is not a violation of your rights. The 4th Amendment applies to government entities, not to private companies.

There are laws against discrimination (state and federal) that apply in some situations - for example, if the store rule only applied to men with daypacks, but not to women... View More

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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

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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
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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
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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, 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
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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
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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 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
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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, 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
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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
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Legal Malpractice and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
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
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: HOW CAN I GET SERVICE AGAINST LANDLORD THAT VIOLATED MY STALKING PROTECTION ORDER AGAINST THEM BY SENDING TEXT MESSAGES?

WE HAVE BEEN VIOLATED BY LANDLORDS, WE COMPLAINED TO D.O.J AND DID DEMAND LETTER IN 2023, WHICH WE WERE PROTECTED FOR 90 DAYS WHICH WOULD BE , THEY VIOLATED OUR RIGHTS BY HAVING BOYFRIEND BE SERVED AN ILLEGAL EVICTION FORM THAT'S NOT SIGNED OR STAMPED BY A JUDGE. WE ARE STILL BEING VIOLATED... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In your situation, where your landlord has allegedly violated a stalking protection order by sending text messages, it's crucial to understand your legal options and the steps you can take. First, document all instances of these violations, including the text messages and any other forms of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: How does USDebitPurchase work on a grocery receipt?

How does USDebitPurchase work when it's for a debit on a grocery receipt?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2025

When you see “USDebitPurchase” on a grocery receipt, it usually means you used your debit card to make a purchase directly from your checking account. This type of transaction happens when you either enter your PIN at the checkout or choose the “debit” option on the card reader. Once the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Is my USDebitPurchase processed through BankMgmt?

I have a "USDebitPurchase" on my grocery receipt and I want to know if it is processed through "BankMgmt." How can I determine if "BankMgmt" is involved, and what steps should I take to verify this transaction in Washington?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2025

When you see “USDebitPurchase” on a grocery receipt, it simply means you used your debit card for the transaction, and the payment was processed through the U.S. debit network. “BankMgmt” isn’t a standard term used in debit processing—it may refer to internal banking management systems... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Should I sign demolition documents for co-owned property after fire?

I'm a co-owner of a property in Island County, Washington, with my sister. The house on this property recently burned down and now needs to be demolished. My sister had the insurance policy in her name and received the entire payout. We have ongoing disputes because she owes me money, and she... View More

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answered on Nov 5, 2025

It’s understandable that you’re hesitant to sign demolition documents when the situation with your sister and the insurance payout remains unsettled. Even though the house needs to be demolished for safety or compliance reasons, signing anything without clarity on financial and ownership... View More

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