A local supermarket, owned by an out-of-state parent company, has persisted with a deceptive advertising offer and has stated no plans to cease it. The damage to the each consumer who participates is small but with a million+ customers it's a large deception.
How can I, simply as a conscientious consumer without the money to hire counsel, take legal action against the chain to right a wrong?
Can I file a small claim for the maximum value and simply argue that I could not afford to file for a larger value?
2007-01-04 11:11:38 · 4 answers · asked by flignar 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Find a lawyer that specializes in class action lawsuites!!
2007-01-04 18:42:00 · answer #1 · answered by dulcern4u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A small claims suit is exactly what it means "Small Claims". It depends what State you reside in. Some states such as in Illinois has a limit of $5,000.Some small claims only go as high as $3,000. So it all depends. Also if you decide to file a claim with the Small Claims court be prepared. Since you don't need an attorney for a Small Claims Court you want all the evidence you can get for good representation for yourself.Newspaper clippings for instance if it's for false advertising or even a tape if the store false advertised on the television networks.Any witness's that can back your story up as well as documentation to the BBB or even the Attorney General's office in the state you reside in.A diary of the phone calls you made to the store itself regarding the issue and what was talked about and with whom you spoke with. All of this in conjuction with the other evidence will show the Judge that you did your homework!Now, if you decide to go the other route in hiring a professional attorney that handles corporations or big business's and go for the gold then you will still need your homework done and remember these big companies and stores have their own attorney's also so be prepared! Check with other friends or relatives that might have the same issue as yours and combine your efforts. This also sometimes helps. Good Luck!
2007-01-08 18:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by shuggabhugga05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, a lot depends on where and what country you are in. In the USA, you can initially report the supermarket to the Better Business Bureau that almost any town has. With enough complaints to the BBB, many businesses will change or modify their behavior that causes the complaints. You can only go to small claims court if you have a legal grevience against a person or company that can be settled for less than $500 US.
2007-01-04 19:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by tullfrk4u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First file a claim with the attorney general of your state. (free)
You can file a small claims with your local courts. The charge for this should be small fee, probably less than $50.00. which if you are successful in your claim, the market will have to reimburse you for those cost.
Have you tried contacting the corprate office of the market?
2007-01-07 06:19:59 · answer #4 · answered by jy9900 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋