If you’re in the market for a new car, it can be hard to know what to look for when choosing which one to buy. There are so many different options that it can be difficult to make an informed decision.
However, there is one thing that you should always consider before buying any vehicle: its maintenance and repair costs.
If your mechanic takes too long to complete repairs or if they charge you more than expected, you may have grounds to sue them.
In order to successfully sue someone for taking too long, you will need to prove that (1) their negligence caused damage to you; (2) you suffered damages as a result of the delay; and (3) you were not at fault for the delay.
So, let’s take a look at what you can do if your mechanic takes too long, or inflicts damage onto the vehicle.
How Much Does it Cost to Sue a Mechanic for Taking Too Long?
The cost of suing a mechanic depends on several factors including where you live, how much time has passed since the incident occurred, and whether, or not, you hired an attorney.
In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500-$5,000 to file suit against a mechanic who took too long to fix your car.
What Are Some Examples of Negligence That Could Lead to a Lawsuit Against a Mechanic?
There are numerous examples of negligence that could lead to a lawsuit against a mechanic.
These include failing to properly diagnose the problem with your car, causing damage to your car while repairing it, making false promises about the quality of workmanship, and refusing to provide promised services after accepting payment.
How Do I Prove Damages From a Delay By a Mechanic?
You must first show that the delay was negligent. This means that the mechanic failed to perform their job correctly.
Once this is proven, you must then show that the delay resulted in damages to you.
The amount of damages you receive will depend on the length of the delay, the type of damages incurred, and the extent to which those damages were foreseeable.
Do I Have Grounds to Sue a Mechanic Who Takes Too Long to Fix My Car?
You may have grounds to sue a mechanic who took too much time to fix your car.
However, you will only be able to do so if you can prove that the delay was negligent and that you suffered damages as a direct result of the delay.
To determine whether, or not, you have grounds to sue, contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. They will be able to help you decide if you have grounds to sue.
What Expenses Might a Mechanic Have to Cover?
A mechanic who takes too long to fix your vehicle may be liable for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and other damages.
However, these damages are limited by state law. For example, some states limit damages to $10,000 per person, while others allow up to $50,000 per person.
This means that you may be able to recover more money in certain states than in others.
For instance, California allows for unlimited recovery of damages, whereas New York limits damages to $10,001.
Should I Sue the Entire Mechanic Shop?
If you believe that the entire shop should be held responsible for the delays, then you should consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
They may be able to assist you in identifying the owner(s), manager(s), and employees who caused the delay.
After doing so, you should notify them of the situation. If they fail to take action within 30 days, you may be able to pursue legal action against them.
Are There Any Other Factors That May Affect Costs?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be additional costs associated with pursuing legal action against a mechanic.
Some of these costs include:
Attorney fees
Court costs
Jury fees
Expert witness fees
Medical bills
Lost wages
Property damage
Emotional distress
In addition, you may also need to pay for any repairs made to your vehicle during the course of the repair process.
It’s important to note that none of these costs are covered under most insurance policies.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
There are many reasons why you might want to hire a lawyer when dealing with a mechanic.
These include:
Your mechanic refuses to give you an estimate.
The mechanic refuses to provide proof of liability coverage.
The mechanic refuses payment until after the work has been completed.
The mechanic fails to return your phone calls.
The mechanic does not inform you about the status of your claim.
The mechanic makes false statements regarding the status of your claim.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Help Me With My Case Against a Mechanic?
The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on what kind of attorney you choose.
The average hourly rate is between $150-$300.
However, this varies depending on where you live and how experienced the lawyer is.
You may find it cheaper to hire a lawyer who works out of their home office rather than one who works from an office.
You can also save money by choosing a lawyer who accepts contingency fee arrangements. This means that the lawyer gets paid only if you win your lawsuit.
If you do not win, however, the lawyer will not get paid at all.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to sue a mechanic or not, it’s always best to seek legal advice before taking matters into your own hands.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as well as determine whether you have grounds to file suit.
A lawyer can also advise you on whether you should settle with the mechanic or go through with a trial.
This way, you can make sure that you don’t end up losing time and money while fighting over something that doesn’t matter.
Hi, my name is Andrea Symth. A couple of years ago, I was stuck in a dead-end job where the workers were severely underappreciated and overworked. The office was old and falling apart around us, yet management didn’t seem to care.
Last summer there was a fire in the building.
That was what spurred my idea for Can I Sue, an online source to find out whether you have the grounds to sue or not, as well as helpful tips that you might need during the process.
