There were some legislative changes to lawsuits filed after 1/1/10. I can't remember if they added that as a requirement, but as written now anyone can sign the letter. However, you don't get "attorney fees" until you have an attorney. To make sure the letter is written within the scope of the statute, you should consult an attorney.
Whatever you do, don't cause a scene with foul language and yelling. Stay calm but perturbed, and be respectful but firm.
The problem with getting an attorney is if they write a letter and get the money for the repairs, they will take out 33% and your son is still out of pocket. If you have a good case you will win in small claims court and not have to pay attorney fees.
Have you talked to them about it? Sorry to hear about that. That could have been potentially dangerous for your son.
Isn't it obvious what is going on here? ucatchtrout is at the bottom of a lake somewhere, his body weighted down by used oil filters. barfo
UPDATE. Sorry for the delay. I took the advice of talking to them first. The manager lied to me and told me the car was leaking gas upon arrival and said they weren't going to pay for the repairs. So I then hand delivered a formal demand for the money and asked them to pay for the repair. They refused. Then I sent the owner of the franchise a formal demand for the money and photos of the damages. Tomorrow I had planned to file suit in small claims court. But today I received a call from their district manager offering to settle the claim. I met him at the Jiffy Lube, gave him a copy of the receipt for $680 worth of repairs, signed a release and he cut me a check for $680. Thank you everyone for your suggestions on how to handle things with Jiffy Lube. The sound advice I received led us to recovery of the money we had to spend on repairs.
