Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts

Over five months to repair car

My car died one day on the way home from work. The onboard computer got fried. I towed my car to a dealership to get repaired in late October 2003. Just before thanksgiving of 2003 they told me that the car was ready. I went to collect it and that mechanic that was working on it said that alot more work was required. I supplied most of the parts and brought them to dealership after christmas. Didn't hear anything from them until three weeks later I get a call telling me to come remove my car from their property in 24 hrs or it will be towed to the lot and I will hav to pay lot charges. At the time I was 5000 miles away dealing with a death in my family. Another list of parts are required for the car some of which I provide. April 6th 2004 I finally get my car back. I tell them that I am not going to pay of the labour because it has taken them so long to fix the car. They refuse to give me the car unless the full ammount is paid. I have been without a car for the duration and have been paying insurance on the car for the duration. I had to write them a check for the full ammount to get my car back. What are my options if any? Should I cancel the check? Thank you for your help


Asked on 4/07/04, 2:21 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Summer Law Office of David B. Summer

Re: Over five months to repair car

In Massachusetts there is an excellent consumer protection law, which is codified under M.G.L. c. 93A. You or your attorney should compose a demand letter that meets the requirements of the statute. If the dispute is not resolved, you may seek tremble damages, attorney's fees, and costs. Note that there are no guarantees of any recovery, including but not limited to your attorney's fees and costs.

Read more
Answered on 4/07/04, 8:53 am
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Over five months to repair car

You shouldn't stop the check. You should report tthem to the Attorney General's consumer affairs office and see if other complaints, also the State Office of Consumer Affairs,also the Better Business Bureau. After, you should pursue your cliams under the MA Consumer Protection Law, Chapter 93A. The law requires that you send a detailed letter outlining the damages you suffered, etc and making a demand for a sum certain. If you are successful, you can recover your attorney's fees and may obtain double or treble damages.

Read more
Answered on 4/07/04, 4:13 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Massachusetts