How to Sue a Moving Company and Win
Whether you're moving across the state or across the country, there are many things to take care of before, during, and after the move. Sometimes, there's a problem with the moving company, such as lost items or delays in delivery. These issues can cost you a lot of time and money. The moving company isn't always great at being responsive to your needs.
If you've had a major problem with your moving company, and you can't get a response from them, you might think of them. However, you have no idea how to sue someone, or if it's worth it. You may have called a couple of lawyers, but they want a lot of money to take your case. DoNotPay can help you take a moving company to a small claims court.
Reasons to File a Complaint Against a Moving Company
There are a few reasons why you might consider filing a complaint against a moving company. Here's a look at a few of them:
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Items Lost During the Move
If the moving company lost a big-ticket item, such as a television. You would want to file a complaint.
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Damage to Your Personal Items
If you have a piece of furniture or broken knick-knacks, you want them replaced. This might take filing a complaint.
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Movers Were Late for Pickup
It might be that movers were so late that you had to change flights or pay a penalty for moving out a day later than expected. You can file a complaint.
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Movers Were Late Delivering Your Items
Once you arrive at your new home, you need your stuff to move in. If there are delays in delivery, you might need to stay longer at the hotel or buy essential items.
Moreover, if your movers cross the following lines, you can also make a complaint. First to the company, then to the authorities.
When the Contract is Breached | Look over the terms of your contract. Charges, quality service, and changes in a plan outside of this are legally actionable and a violation of your contract. |
When the Company Policy is Violated | Sometimes, one moving person or driver is a bad apple. They might demand you pay cash or extra fees - outside the company policy. |
When You've Been Lied to, Scammed, or Defrauded | Any time you've been told one thing and experienced another in a way that was majorly disadvantageous. For example, you were told that your moving services would not contract out, and contracted strangers arrive at your destination. |
When Your Items Have Been Stolen | When items on your Bill of Lading have disappeared in the move. |
Failure to Honor Insurance | If you were sold fake insurance or promised the trip was insured when it was not. |
When There is Extensive Damage | When your items have been extensively damaged, not just scuffed a little, or when many items sustain damage, not just your personal items. |
Clear Improper Procedure | When your movers don't even try to use best practices like protecting fragile boxes, or they stack heavy on light, or stack furniture on boxes, or don't tie-down, or don't pad furniture. |
What to Do Before Filing an Official Complaint
There are some essential things that you should do before you decide to file an official complaint against your moving company. Here are a few things to consider:
- Reach out to the moving company to see if you can resolve the issue yourself.
- Review the contract that you signed with the moving company, paying close attention to the section that outlines their liability.
- Get your evidence together, such as pictures or information on any mover's insurance you paid for before the move.
Sue Your Moving Company in Small Claims Court With DoNotPay
If you've tried talking to the moving company and filing a complaint without the results that you want, you might need to take the next step and in small claims court. DoNotPay can help you with this. Take these steps:
- Create the correct paperwork that you need to sue someone in small claims court with DoNotPay.
- File the paperwork with the small claims court in your county.
- Gather your evidence, such as photos, the contract with the moving company, and anything else important.
- Appear in court and argue your case.
Solve the Challenges of Filing a Complaint Against a Moving Company With the Help of DoNotPay
When the excitement and thrill of moving turns to heartbreak when the moving company messes up, you might need to consider filing a complaint against them or suing them in small claims court. However, you might not know how to do that, and it isn't easy to find this information online. DoNotPay can help you whether you decide to file a complaint or them.
How to file a complaint against a moving company using DoNotPay:
- Search for moving issues on DoNotPay.
- Start our Solve My Moving Issues product by telling us the name of the moving company you are having issues with.
- Answer some questions about your specific move, your moving company, and the complaint for which you'd like relief.
DoNotPay will write a letter to your moving company, detailing both your complaints and your demands for compensation and relief and warn against a lawsuit if those demands aren't met. If you don't get a response within two weeks, we can help you escalate to small claims court!
DoNotPay Works With All Moving Companies
After you learn how to sue a moving company, you probably have other questions about what to do when there's a problem with a moving company. It's hard to know what to do or who to ask. DoNotPay offers information on a variety of topics concerning moving company complaints. Here are a few:
- Learn more about moving company complaints
- Did movers damage your furniture?
- FMCSA complaint
- Does your renter's insurance cover moving damages?
- What do you do if movers lose your belongings?
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
Whether you decide to sue a moving company or simply file a complaint, DoNotPay is there to help. However, DoNotPay is ready to partner with you to accomplish many tasks, such as:
- Jump the line and talk to a customer service agent more quickly
- Find items that you have lost
- File a complaint when there's a problem
- And many more!
Create the paperwork to sue a moving company in small claims court with the help of DoNotPay today.