Maine: consumer-protection statute

Private right of action

Whether a person may bring a civil action under the statute.

Any person who purchases or leases goods, services or property, real or personal, primarily for personal, family or household purposes and thereby suffers any loss of money or property... may bring an action

§213

may bring an action either in the Superior Court or District Court for actual damages, restitution and for such other equitable relief

Actual damages

Recovery for the loss a person actually suffered.

actual damages

§213

may bring an action either in the Superior Court or District Court for actual damages, restitution and for such other equitable relief

Statutory minimum damages

A stated minimum or fixed amount of damages.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Multiple or punitive damages

Damages multiplied or increased to punish unlawful conduct.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Attorney fees

Rules for recovering the cost of legal representation.

petitioner shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs

§213

be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in connection with said action

Notice or demand before suit

Notice or a demand that must be sent before bringing an action.

At least 30 days prior to the filing of an action for damages, a written demand for relief... must be mailed or delivered to any prospective respondent

§213

At least 30 days prior to the filing of an action for damages, a written demand for relief, identifying the claimant and reasonably describing the unfair and deceptive act

Class action limits

Restrictions on bringing claims on behalf of a class.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

FTC interpretation clause

Directions to consider FTC or federal interpretations when applying the statute.

courts will be guided by the interpretations given by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Courts

§207

the courts will be guided by the interpretations given by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Courts

Time limit for a claim

The period in which an action must be brought.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Injunctive relief

Court orders requiring conduct to stop or change.

such other equitable relief, including an injunction, as the court determines to be necessary and proper

§213

for such other equitable relief, including an injunction, as the court determines to be necessary and proper

Attorney general civil penalties

Civil monetary penalties sought by the attorney general.

civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation

§209

a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation