Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Civil Rights, Government & Administrative Law.
What are my rights if a retailer refuses a refund for a defective $600 appliance?
If you bought a defective $600 appliance in Alabama and the retailer refuses a refund, you may still have consumer rights, but the exact options depend on the warranty, return policy, and the facts of the sale. In genera...
How do I get a refund from an airline that canceled my flight but only offered credit?
If an airline canceled your flight and offered only travel credit, you may be able to ask for a cash refund instead, depending on the ticket terms, the reason for the cancellation, and the governing consumer protection r...
What are my rights if I am accused of damaging property because of someone’s race or religion?
If you are accused of damaging property because of someone’s race or religion, you generally have important rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to understand the accusations, and the right to defend y...
My neighbor keeps dumping leaves and branches over the fence into my yard. Is that illegal?
In North Carolina, a neighbor repeatedly throwing leaves, branches, or other yard debris into your yard may be more than just a nuisance. Depending on the facts, it can sometimes raise property, nuisance, trespass, or lo...
Does Living With Cats Mean I Accepted Responsibility for Pet Damage?
In general, simply living with cats does not automatically mean you accepted legal responsibility for any pet damage. In New Jersey, as in many places, responsibility usually depends on facts such as who owned the cat, w...
Can a towing company refuse card payment and keep adding storage fees?
In general, a towing company may be able to set the payment methods it accepts, but that does not automatically mean it can add unlimited storage fees or ignore other legal limits. The answer often depends on the tow con...
Do I have to call the police if I discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental?
If you discover a hidden camera in an Airbnb rental in New York, you generally are not legally required in every situation to call the police just because you found it. But in many cases, contacting law enforcement may b...
How do I challenge a denial of total and permanent disability discharge?
A denial of a total and permanent disability discharge can often be challenged by first reading the denial notice closely and identifying the stated reason for the decision. In general, the most important first step is t...
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...
How do I handle a pet sitter who lost my dog during a walk?
If a pet sitter lost your dog during a walk, the first priority is usually to search, notify local shelters and animal control, and preserve all communication with the sitter. In Hawaii, as in many states, the exact lega...
A neighbor’s basketball hoop is partly in the street and damaged my car. Who do I contact?
If a neighbor’s basketball hoop was partly in the street and damaged your car in North Carolina, the first contact is often the neighbor or the homeowner who controls the property where the hoop sits. In many situations,...
Do I have to tell my car insurance company about a DUI?
In general, a DUI can affect your car insurance, but whether you must proactively tell your insurer depends on your policy, the insurer’s reporting requirements, and the facts of the incident. In Mississippi, many driver...
What happens if my student loan servicer lost my prior payment records?
If your student loan servicer lost records of your prior payments, that usually does not mean the payments never happened. In general, servicers are expected to keep account histories and apply payments correctly, but re...
Can I file a claim if a hotel bedbug infestation caused bites and medical expenses?
In West Virginia, a hotel bedbug situation may sometimes lead to a legal claim if the hotel failed to use reasonable care to keep the room safe and the infestation caused your injuries or losses. That can include bite-re...
What happens if my insurance agent entered the wrong address and my claim was denied?
If an insurance agent entered the wrong address and your claim was denied, the denial may not be the end of the matter. In general, the key question is whether the wrong address was a material mistake, whether it was cau...