Looking to sue United Airlines? Small claims court is an option, and you may have others…
At FairShake we’ve helped thousands of people ripped off by big companies like United Airlines. And we’ve helped get millions of dollars in settlement offers…
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Tired of hitting dead ends when trying to get a refund from United Airlines? Feeling like there’s nowhere to turn?
You’re not alone. It seems like many people have tried all the United Airlines customer service options, but still feel unheard.
There are different ways to file a complaint against United Airlines, but none have the same power and leverage as taking legal action.
So, if you’re thinking of suing United Airlines, where do you even start? You might expect there to be tons of class action lawsuits against them, but it’s often more complicated than that.
What many people don’t know is that hidden clauses buried deep within their contracts frequently allow companies like United Airlines to push legal claims into the private realm of consumer arbitration, away from conventional courts.
But here’s the thing: your United Airlines contract doesn’t have the power to take away your right to pursue legal action by suing them.
Here’s what you can do…
Learn more about the consumer arbitration process here.
If you’re ready to sue United Airlines in Small Claims Court, read on below:
First you have to make sure that your small claims court will accept your issue before you sue United Airlines. Small claims courts are for specific issues only.
There are two things you need to pay attention to:
The amount of money: The first is the monetary limit. Every small claims court has a maximum amount you can ask for in damages. So, if all you want is a refund for an overcharge, that might fall within the limits but if what you want instead is a refund for $12,000 worth of goods that you brought back in your suitcase, it might not qualify.If your claim doesn’t fall within the limits of your state’s small claims court, you’ll have to arbitrate your claim instead.
Before you sue United Airlines most small claims courts request that you asked them to voluntarily fix your problem before you actually file a claim.
The letter can be very straightforward and just explain who you are, what the problem is, and how you want the company to fix it.
When you’re done, you just have to mail a hard copy of that letter to their legal address preferably through certified mail or another service where you can confirm it was accepted by the company. According to our most recent research, United Airlines is legally based in Delaware and receives mail at this address:
United Airlines, Inc.
C/O THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY
CORPORATION TRUST CENTER 1209 ORANGE ST
WILMINGTON, DE 19801
If you would like examples of demand letters or more information about how to write them, you can find an excellent guide here.
This can be meticulous and requires a lot of concentration. First you have to find the right forms. Every state court is different and some counties have additional forms. All of this information should be found on your state court website.
Then you have to fill out the right number of copies, or just copy the right number from your original. Most states require that when you file your forms you have three or four copies. If you don’t have the right number, they won’t accept it.
Once your forms are properly filled out and you have the right quantity you have to officially file.
This can be somewhat tricky because every Court will have a different requirement just the same as every Court will have a different form. Most courts require you to physically go to the courthouse for hand delivery of the forms. There are a few courts that might let you submit it by mail, fax, or online.
You will also have to pay a small claims court filing fee before you can sue United Airlines. The amount should be published on your court website.
Once you are done, the county clerk will give you some stamped copies and a hearing date.
The court will give you back multiple copies but they aren’t all for you. One of them is for United Airlines. When you sue United Airlines you have to let them know that you have formally started the process.
This is called serving. You have to deliver a copy of your file papers in accordance with your state court and local Court. You can look at your Courts website or instructions on how to do this. Some courts have very strange rules but no matter how odd it seems you have to make sure to follow it otherwise they can throw out your case.
Remember that the county clerk gave you a hearing date? That’s your court date.
You have to make sure you show up to the right courthouse on time and have your copy of the file documents with you. Bring with you any evidence you have to back up why you deserve compensation. Sometimes they will show up to oppose you and other times they won’t.
Regardless, it’s up to you to present to the judge your side.
Ready to sue United Airlines in small claims court?
If this sounds too hard and expensive, try consumer arbitration instead…
Get justice when a business lets you down:
FairShake’s Ultimate Guide to Consumer Complaints
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