Private Suits
You have a right to sue for violations of the Consumer Protection Act. If you win your lawsuit, the court will award you your actual damages or $1,000.00, whichever is greater. The court must also award court costs and attorney's fees. If it finds the violator acted willfully or knowingly, the court may also award two to three times your actual damages.
If the dispute involves less than $5,000, you can bring a small claims action directly against the business in a district court. Go to your local court and pick up a copy of "How to File a Small Claim" which describes small claims procedures or read our article on Small Claims Court (ADD LINK TO SUBPAGE). You do not need to hire a lawyer for a small claims action, though you may do so if you wish.
In addition, any private party or business can bring an action under the State Antitrust Act (RSA 356). This act, based on the Federal Antitrust Statutes, prohibits every "contract, combination or conspiracy in restraint of trade." In general, these laws prohibit price-fixing, bid-rigging, group boycotts or monopolization. A successful party is entitled to three times actual damages plus all costs and attorneys' fees.
What To Do If You Have A Lawsuit Against You
The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
Try Also Reading…
Credit Reports
High Cost Small Loans
Online Security
Home Repair Fraud
Small Claims Court
Debt
Other Consumer Protection Laws
Scam, Frauds, ID Theft
Consumer Protection in NH
Automobiles
Resources for Consumers
Date: 2006Author: New Hampshire Bar Association