Legal Question in Administrative Law in Ohio
My son had a car towed to a garage for an estimate on some mechanical work. Instead of an estimate they worked on the car and presented him with a hefty bill. He could not pay the bill and offered to make payments, they refused and told him he cannot have the car until he pays the entire bill. Is this Legal?
1 Answer from Attorneys
If they never got his authorization to perform services on the car (they offered no estimate in writing), and instead began to repair the car without his go-ahead, then the shop may have violated the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. Violations of the CSPA allow a plaintiff to receive economic damages, non-economic damages, and attorney's fees.
However, if he did authorize the services, then yes, they can withhold the car until he pays his bill. This is known as a 'mechanics lien' and is authorized under Ohio law.
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