Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection
Browse published legal information questions related to Bankruptcy, Debt & Consumer Protection.
Can I sue if the other driver’s insurance only pays for aftermarket parts?
In New Jersey, the answer may depend on what the damage claim is really worth, what kind of parts are being used, and whether the payment offered is enough to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition. In general, an...
Can a Repair Technician Break Something Else and Not Be Liable?
In general, a repair technician may be liable if they damage something else while performing a repair, but the answer depends heavily on the facts. In Kentucky, as in other states, liability often turns on whether the te...
Neighbor’s dog keeps getting loose and scratched my car. Can animal control help with property damage?
In Georgia, animal control may be able to help if a neighbor’s dog is repeatedly running loose, creating a nuisance, or violating local animal control rules. Whether animal control can do anything about the car damage it...
What happens if my car insurance lapses for two weeks and I get into an accident?
If your car insurance lapses for two weeks and you get into an accident, several things may happen at once. In general, the lapse can affect whether your insurer covers damage, injuries, or legal defense, and it may also...
Do I have to pay a locksmith $475 when they quoted $95 on the phone?
In Ohio, a phone quote of $95 does not always control the final bill, but it can matter a lot. In general, if a locksmith clearly quoted one price and then charged a much higher amount without explaining extra work, part...
Is it legal for a car dealer to run my credit through six lenders after I only approved one application?
In general, a car dealer may have some ability to submit your credit information to more than one lender if you signed paperwork that gave broad permission, if the dealership’s financing process was explained that way, o...
How do I take a pet boarding facility to court if my pet was injured in their care?
If your pet was injured while being boarded, you may be able to bring a civil claim against the facility, depending on the facts and the evidence. In Wyoming, as in many states, the legal theory might involve negligence,...
Can I sue a daycare if my child was injured because staff left kids unsupervised?
In general, a parent may be able to bring a legal claim against a daycare if a child was injured and the injury may have been caused by inadequate supervision. In Wyoming, as in other states, the basic question is usuall...
Can I keep the house in an equitable distribution divorce if the mortgage is only in my spouse’s name?
In California, the fact that the mortgage is only in your spouse’s name does not by itself decide who gets the house in a divorce. California is a community property state, so the court usually looks at when the home was...
What are my rights if my insurance denies coverage after I paid premiums for years?
If an insurance company denies coverage after you have paid premiums for years, you generally have the right to ask for a clear explanation of the denial and to review the insurance policy language that the company relie...
How do I handle a private investigator who recorded my conversation through an open window?
In general, a private investigator recording a conversation through an open window can raise several legal issues, but the answer depends heavily on the facts and on Washington law. The most important questions are usual...
Can a contractor demand additional payment after the project is finished?
In general, a contractor may ask for additional payment after a project is finished, but that does not automatically mean the homeowner or customer must pay it. Whether the demand is valid usually depends on the contract...
How do I recover money from an old savings account my parents opened for me as a child?
If your parents opened a savings account for you as a child, the first question is usually whether the money is still in an active account, was closed out, or was transferred somewhere else. In general, the steps to reco...
What are my rights if my insurance claim is denied without explanation?
If an insurance company denies a claim without giving a clear reason, that can be frustrating and may make it harder to know what to do next. In general, policyholders have the right to ask for the reason for the denial,...
Is it legal for a dealership to charge a document fee of $899?
In Colorado, a dealership may be able to charge a document fee, but whether an $899 fee is legally allowed depends on several factors, including how the fee is disclosed, what it is for, and whether the dealer is followi...