Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Re: Auto repairs

Of course you can sue for defective auto repairs. Such a suit is generally brought in the small claims division of the District Court of Maryland for the county you live in, or the county where the auto repair facility is located if different.

In order to prove your case, however, some expense may be involved. You will need to have your problem inspected by another mechanic who is willing to testify on your behalf that the repair shop was negligent in repairing the problem and how they should have done it properly. You will also have to establish the cost of having the job done correctly, to determine the amount of damages you want the court to award to you.

In these situations, it is often more practical to take advantage of government agencies which may exist in your county to help people in your predicament. In Montgomery County, there is an excellent Office of Consumer Affairs which has people (including mechanics) trained and experienced to deal with this problem. They will inspect your car and if they believe your complaint is valid, they will intercede on your behalf with the repair shop. If you live elsewhere, see if there is a similar such agency in your county. Good luck!