how to sue mechanic illinois lawyer

by Kiley Beatty V 9 min read

Can I sue a mechanic shop for bad work?

The most common option of legal recourse is to sue the mechanic for negligence. In a misdiagnosis negligence case, the vehicle owner will need to prove that the mechanic failed to exercise the same level of care that any other reasonable auto repair mechanic would have used in the same or a similar scenario.

What is a mechanic repair lawsuit?

The Basics of a Mechanics Lien in Illinois. We are Illinois lawyers, who since 2001, have been offering legal guidance and attorney referrals. Call our office at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with an attorney for FREE and get pointed in the right direction. Or you can fill out our contact form to tell us about your situation and we will ...

Can I sue a mechanic for a misdiagnosis?

After that, follow these steps to sue a mechanic: Log-in to DoNotPay and select the Sue Now Product Enter the dollar amount you are owed Select whether you want a demand letter or court filing forms Choose the reason for the lawsuit as a “Breach of Contract or Broken Promise” and submit any applicable details, including photo proof

Can I sue a mechanic in Small Claims Court in Texas?

Dec 02, 2011 · I suggest you contact a general practicioner attorney in your area for information and advice on how to proceed. If you want to do it on your own, the Justice of the Peace or Small Claims court has a maximum jurisdiction of $10,000.00 that you can sue for and is very inexpensive to file the lawsuit yourself.

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Can you sue a car garage?

If you get the car repaired at a new garage, you can try to claim compensation or go to court for the cost of carrying out extra repairs. You might be able to work with a trade association to get a result (if the garage is a member).

Can I sue a mechanic for taking too long?

Can I sue a mechanic for taking too long? It's possible to sue a mechanic if you have given them a down payment and they haven't fixed your vehicle for a long time. This is especially true if you can prove their negligence made your car worse.Dec 7, 2021

How long can a dealership hold your car for repair in Illinois?

Legally a dealership has 30 days to fix your car. If the dealership doesn't know what's wrong with your car, doesn't have the mechanic or parts to fix the problem, they may hold your car for a long period.Feb 21, 2022

Can a mechanic keep your car?

Can a garage keep your car? A garage that has repaired your car has what is known as a 'lien'. This is the right to keep the car until they've been paid for all work done. If you take your car away without authorisation you risk both civil proceedings and criminal prosecution.Nov 23, 2016

What takes the longest to fix on a car?

Replacing an Engine People who have experienced the agony of replacing an engine, whether it's your average Joe or a certified auto technician, will say this is the greatest challenge in any car.

What to do if a garage is taking too long?

If you're unhappy with the amount of time the garage is taking to repair your car, then you should firstly raise your concern with the garage directly, ideally by submitting a formal complaint to the business in line with their complaints procedure.

What is the Illinois Lemon Law?

This law has become known as the “Illinois Lemon Law.” It provides that a car manufacturer must (1) refund the consumer's money or (2) replace a “new” motor vehicle if there is a non-conformity in that vehicle which substantially impairs its use, safety, or value.Feb 27, 2017

What is NC Lemon Law?

It requires manufacturers to repair defects that affect the use, value, or safety of a new motor vehicle within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

What is Michigan Lemon Law?

Answer: The Lemon Law covers any defect or condition that impairs the use or value of the new motor vehicle to the consumer or prevents the new motor vehicle from conforming to the manufacturer's express warranty.

What happens if you don't pay your mechanic?

If a mechanic has serviced your car and you haven't paid the bill, they may be able to establish a lien on your vehicle, which usually gives them legal claim over the car until you pay back what you owe in full. This is called a mechanic's lien or a garageman's lien.Jan 24, 2022

How do you know if a mechanic is ripping you off?

If the rotor doesn't have any deep ridges that you can feel with your finger (on most cars you can see and feel your rotors through the hubcap), the mechanic should be able to use a lathe to scrape off a layer of metal and enable you to keep using the rotors.

Is it illegal to not service your car?

FALSE: “Servicing your vehicle is a legal requirement” While regular servicing is highly recommended to keep your vehicle in good shape, unlike an MOT check, an annual service is not a legal requirement, nor is it a pre-requisite to insuring your vehicle.Mar 22, 2016

When Is The Mechanic Liable For Damages Resulting from Faulty Service?

A mechanic is liable for damages caused by his or her negligence. For example, suppose your mechanic rotates your tires, but fails to properly reat...

What About The Contents of My Car?

Always contact law enforcement if items are stolen from your vehicle. Law enforcement can investigate the theft—and may help you identify the culpr...

What If My Car Is Stolen from The Repair Shop?

While it has your car, the mechanic shop must take reasonable care to protect it. If the mechanic leaves your keys in your unlocked car, he or she...

Should I Contact A Lawyer?

Claims involving auto mechanics can involve a wide variety of legal issues— including bailments, garage keepers laws, negligence, and products liab...

Can You Sue a Mechanic for Misdiagnosis?

A mechanic misdiagnosis, also known as a “faulty diagnosis” or simply as a “mistaken repair”, occurs when a mechanic does not identify the true problem.

What Does Mechanic Liability Insurance Pay For?

Mechanic liability insurance is a specific type of insurance policy that is meant to protect mechanics and auto repair shops from liabilities that may arise as a result of unexpected accidents like property damage to a vehicle, faulty repairs, or if a customer waiting to pick up their car gets injured in the repair shop.

Do I Need an Attorney for Help with Automobile Mechanic Liability Issues?

As is evident from the above discussion, when you leave your car at a repair shop, the mechanic working on your vehicle can be held liable for actions that fall below a certain level of care.

What is a mechanics lien?

A mechanics lien is specific to construction or improvement projects, both big and small. An unpaid contractor, subcontractor or supplier of materials can file a mechanics lien. For example, if a homeowner decides to renovate their kitchen, they will contract with a general contractor.

How long does a contractor have to file a lawsuit?

In order to enforce a lien, the contractor, subcontractor or supplier must file a lawsuit. The deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the last date work was performed or materials were supplied. A recorded lien is valid for these two years, but a failure to sue within that time frame voids the lien.

What is a lien on a home?

A lien is a way for a creditor to ensure that they can collect what they are owed. A lien can be filed against a home, land or other real estate, and if done properly, it gives the creditor an interest in that property. The property cannot be sold or refinanced without payment of the lien. The creditor, in order to get paid, can also go to court ...

How to speak with an attorney for free?

Call our office at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with an attorney for FREE and get pointed in the right direction. Or you can fill out our contact form to tell us about your situation and we will contact you.

How long does it take to record a lien on a property?

The deadline for recording a lien is four months from the date the work was completed. The rules for a subcontractor are slightly different. A subcontractor has to serve the property owner and their lender with a notice of intent to impose a lien against the property.

Know Auto Repair Laws

You’ve probably heard about the Lemon Law and the Right to Repair Act but how do these terms relate to you? Depending on which state you are in, some legislation protects your rights as a customer of car repair shops. The table below is not exhaustive but here are some of the most common laws:

Five Reasons You Can Sue a Mechanic

Taking your car to the repair shop is a cumbersome process in itself. Aside from the car, there are other things you need to worry about: the cost of the repair, the delays it will cause, and whether the mechanic can salvage the car. There are mechanics out there who are professional and honest in their work.

Tips for Suing a Car Repair Shop in Small Claims Court

If you find that you have a lawsuit in your hands and you have grounds to sue a car repair shop, you may do so in small claims court. Suing in small claims court comes with fewer costs because of inexpensive filing fees, no need for lawyers, and faster processes. Here are some of our tips for suing a mechanic in small claims court:

Steps to Suing a Car Repair Shop

So you’ve decided to sue a mechanic shop but you’re not sure where to start. The small claims hearing is scheduled 30-70 days after the lawsuit is filed. Below are the steps you have to go through when suing a car repair shop in small claims court:

How to Sue a Mechanic with DoNotPay

Suing anyone isn’t always a straightforward process. DoNotPay simplifies the process for you. All you have to do is access the app via any web browser. After that, follow these steps to sue a mechanic:

DoNotPay Helps You Sue Any Company

Interested in learning more? Here are some big-name companies DoNotPay users have sued with the Sue Now product:

What is a mechanics lien?

In order for a mechanics lien claim to be valid, the claimant must be defined as contractor or subcontractor as described in the Mechanics Lien Act. This act defines a contractor as any person who enters into a contract with the owner of the land or property in question for the purpose of improving or maintaining the land or structure on the land.

Is a written contract void?

Ultimately, the written or oral contract must exist in some form and support the stipulations in the claim. The contract must be legal, and not void due to violation of law or public policy. For example, a lien from an unlicensed contractor would be unenforceable.

Is a contractor a subcontractor?

A first-party materials provider to the general contractor may also be considered a subcontractor. Simply stating that one is a contractor or subcontractor, even in the terms of the contract, is not enough to establish proof when reviewing a case.

Brian W. Erikson

First read your paperwork for the ball joint work. See if there is a warranty that covered the work. See if the repair shop excluded or disclaimed liability for the ball joint failure.#N#Consult with another repair shop to see what they think caused the ball joint failure...

Dale R. Rose

I suggest you contact a general practicioner attorney in your area for information and advice on how to proceed.#N#If you want to do it on your own, the Justice of the Peace or Small Claims court has a maximum jurisdiction of $10,000.00 that you can sue for and is very inexpensive to file the lawsuit yourself.

Steven Marc Gelfman

You best bet may be small claims court. I am not sure of the rules in your jurisdiction, but I would check on-line or call the county clerk in your area and see if this is a case that can be filed in small claims court. If so, you may want to just file against the mechanic shop and let them add any other party they believe may be responsible.

How to be a mechanic?

To act with skill and professionalism in making repairs, a mechanic must (among other things): 1 Ensure that a vehicle brought in for inspection is repaired so it is safe for driving; 2 Replace, remove, adjust, or upgrade parts, with the skill expected of a mechanic making such repairs; 3 Make only repairs that are necessary; and 4 Make only those repairs that a customer authorized.

What is intentional torts?

In an intentional torts case involving a mechanic, the individual who sues the mechanic must show that the mechanic intended to commit the act, or acted with reckless disregard as to the consequences of the act.

What is reasonable standard of care?

If a person brings a vehicle to a mechanic for repairs covered by a warranty, the mechanic must use the skill and care required to make warranty repairs. If a person brings an electric or hybrid vehicle to a mechanic for repairs , ...

Can a mechanic file a lien on a vehicle?

In addition, a mechanic who provides services and does not receive payment may file a mechanic’s lien on the vehicle. This lien (claim on property) may entitle the mechanic to keep the vehicle until payment is made. A lien is not valid when the mechanic did not perform the services for which the money is sought.

Richard Kurt Arbuckle

You bet. Contact a consumer protection lawyer to help you. I hate it when mechanics sell unneeded repairs and then don't even do them correctly.

Paul Jacob Paschal

It does sound like you have a claim, if the other mechanic will testify that the previous work was done improperly. You should contact an attorney to discuss the case.

Jeffrey Mark Adams

If the $1300 repair is due to the $3100 project that you paid for and not the $300 gratis project, in my view you do have a viable case against Firestone. Small claims court is probably your best option. The mechanic who repaired the vehicle will be necessary. Depending upon local rules, either in person or by affidavit. Good luck...

Todd Michael Bales

I believe that you certainly have a claim. You really should be sure to read all the paperwork that you signed when you paid your bill. There may be language in that paperwork that either limits or reduces your rights against the mechanic. I would seek the advise of a lawyer in your area...

Reshard Juquin Alexander

Certainly. If the mechanic who fixed the problem is willing to testify about the backwards radiator and the unneeded transmission and engine repairs it would make the case even better. Contact a local attorney that wants to fight for your rights.

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Bad Repairs

  • First and foremost, mechanics must do good work. You're there to get a problem fixed, and if it is not fixed properly that could be dangerous for you and other drivers. Not to mention you shouldn't be charged for non-existent or ineffective auto repairs. If a mechanic improperly installs a part, â€¦
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False Estimates Or No Estimates

  • Most states have consumer protection laws that require auto repair shops to disclose details about repairs before they are done. Under these statutes, mechanics and other service providers must give you a detailed estimate of all work to be done, disclose whether used or rebuilt parts are being installed, and give you a quote for the costs. If your mechanic fails to give you an esti…
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Breach of Warranty

  • Often we purchase new and used cars with warranties that cover certain services to the vehicle. These warranties generally come with stipulations regarding what repairs are covered, for how long, and may require you to use specific mechanics. If the mechanics don't honor the warranty, either to repair the car or in covering the cost, you may need to sue.
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Fraud

  • Most of us have our guard up when we take our cars to a mechanic. The amount of stories we've heard about auto repair scams, coupled with our general unfamiliarity with the inner workings of our automobiles, means we're already suspicious. But how do you know if your mechanic is taking you for a ride? Actually discovering fraud may be difficult, but if you discover your mechanic has …
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Invalid Use of A Mechanic's Lien

  • There are times when a repair person or company can place a lien on a customer's property to pay for service or improvements done to the property. This is called a mechanic's lien, and it is available not just to car mechanics, but to plumbers, painters, carpenters, and construction contractors, and subcontractors -- anyone who provides a service that improves a customer's pr…
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Is The Claimant A Contractor Or Subcontractor?

  • In order for a mechanics lien claim to be valid, the claimant must be defined as contractor or subcontractor as described in the Mechanics Lien Act. This act defines a contractor as any person who enters into a contract with the owner of the land or property in question for the purpose of improving or maintaining the land or structure on the land. A subcontractor is one wh…
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What's in The Contract?

  • The burden of proof is on the lien claimant to show that he or she has a contract to support the claim. Under the Mechanics Lien Act, the contract can be written or oral, however, a case based on an oral contract may be harder to prove. Ultimately, the written or oral contract must exist in some form and support the stipulations in the claim. The contract must be legal, and not void du…
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Did The Lien Claimant Finish The Project?

  • A contractor must have completed the work set forth in the contract, or be able to show that he or she, in good faith, made the greatest attempt to complete a “substantial portion” of the work agreed upon in the contract. If the appropriate amount of work was not completed the contractor must be able to provide a valid excuse for nonperformance, such as an owner excusing the cont…
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