Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania
Yesterday I went to pick up my 2004 trailblazer from the shop. I had an estimate of $490.00 for a exhaust manifold repair (remove and replace and the part). They had also called and told me to pass inspection I would need all 4 rotors and brakes for an additional $537.00. So we're at $1,027.00. I told them of course to do the inspection and also change oil. When they called to tell me to pick it up 8 days later the bill was $1,577.13. I told them we would go over it when I got there because I never had a call to okay anyother charges. When I got there I was told that the estimate didn't mean anything and that since they had typed "this is just an estimate" on the paper it was meaningless. I said I beg to differ but instead of causing a huge fight I paid the bill and left. I am not denying the additional work was not done I'm very upset that they went ahead and did $500.00 additional work without prior approval. Do I have a leg to stand on here? Could I have told them that I was not paying it because it was not approved?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Contact a consumer attorney in your area. This is a deceptive and unfair business practice.
Being presented with a final bill that is about 50% higher than the "estimate" is clearly a fraudulent & deceptive practice under the PA Consumer Protection Act, which would subject the merchant to triple damages & attorney fees. It's total BS that estimates "don't mean anything." You should contact an experienced consumer attorney in your area. Most attorneys who handle these cases will at least provide you with a consult for free or at a minimal cost. If you need help finding an appropriate attorney contact me & I can locate one for you. Good luck!
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