Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
What are my rights if a rideshare driver damaged my luggage and the company denied responsibility?
If a rideshare driver damaged your luggage and the rideshare company denied responsibility, you may still have options, but the available rights usually depend on the facts, the company’s terms, and Washington law. In ge...
I left a bad review for a local business and now they’re threatening to sue. Should I take it down?
A bad review does not automatically create legal liability, and businesses often cannot sue simply because they dislike criticism. In general, a review is more likely to create legal risk only if it contains a false stat...
Is it defamation if someone says “I think” before making a false factual accusation online in Indiana?
In general, adding the words “I think” does not automatically protect a person from a defamation claim in Indiana. If an online statement still communicates a false factual accusation, a court may look at the whole conte...
How do I claim an old utility deposit that shows up as unclaimed property?
In North Carolina, an old utility deposit that appears on an unclaimed property list usually means the utility company reported money it could not return to you after your account ended. In general, the state holds that...
How do I dispute a hospital bill that includes duplicate charges?
If your hospital bill appears to include duplicate charges, the first step is usually to compare the itemized bill with your records and any explanation of benefits from your insurer. Duplicate charges can sometimes happ...
What are my rights if my renters insurance denies a claim after my laptop was stolen from my car?
If your renters insurance denies a claim after your laptop was stolen from your car, you usually still have the right to ask for the reason in writing, review the policy language, and challenge the denial if it appears u...
Is it legal to record a customer service call if the company’s automated message says calls may be recorded?
In Illinois, the answer is usually not as simple as “yes” or “no.” An automated message that says calls may be recorded does not automatically mean that you may record the call yourself. It often means the company is tel...
Can a company record my support call if I stayed on the line after hearing the recording notice?
In Massachusetts, the answer may depend on what notice you received, what the recording said, and whether the call was being recorded in a way allowed by law. If a company clearly told you the call might be recorded and...
How do I handle a personal injury claim when the business refuses to give me incident report paperwork?
In Georgia, if a business refuses to give you an incident report after an injury, that can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily stop a personal injury claim. In general, the report is only one piece of evidence. Y...
Is It Legal for a Gym to Require Certified Mail to Cancel a Membership?
In general, a gym may be able to require a particular cancellation method if that requirement is clearly stated in the membership contract and does not violate applicable law. That means a certified mail requirement is n...
Is it legal for a repair shop to charge storage fees without telling me upfront?
In general, a repair shop may be able to charge storage fees, but whether it can do so without telling you upfront often depends on the facts, the repair agreement, local business practices, and Alaska law. A shop’s abil...
What are my rights if a fake account is impersonating me and posting racist comments?
If a fake account is impersonating you and posting racist comments, you may have several possible legal and practical options, depending on the facts. In general, impersonation and hateful posts can affect your reputatio...
How do I report harassment in Washington when the police say it is a civil issue?
In Washington, the fact that police say harassment is a “civil issue” does not necessarily mean you have no options. It usually means the officer believes the conduct may not fit the type of criminal offense police can i...
What are my rights if my upstairs neighbor’s pipe burst and ruined my furniture?
If an upstairs neighbor’s pipe burst and damaged your furniture, you may have rights to seek payment for the loss, but the source of those rights depends on the facts. In Maryland, claims of this type often involve prope...
How do I make a personal injury claim for burns from a defective pressure cooker?
If a defective pressure cooker burned you, the general process usually starts with getting medical care and preserving evidence. In a product-related injury claim, people often try to show that the product was defective,...