Rhode Island: consumer-protection statute

Private right of action

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

Yes, a person who purchases or leases goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes and suffers an ascertainable loss may bring an action.

§ 6-13.1-5.2

Any person who purchases or leases goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes and thereby suffers any ascertainable loss of money or property

Actual damages

Recovery for the loss a person actually suffered.

Recover actual damages or $500, whichever is greater.

§ 6-13.1-5.2

to recover actual damages or five hundred dollars ($500), whichever is greater

Statutory minimum damages

A stated minimum or fixed amount of damages.

$500

§ 6-13.1-5.2

to recover actual damages or five hundred dollars ($500), whichever is greater

Multiple or punitive damages

Damages multiplied or increased to punish unlawful conduct.

Court may award damages equal to three times the amount of actual damages.

§ 6-13.1-5.2

The court may award damages equal to three (3) times the amount of actual damages

Attorney fees

Rules for recovering the cost of legal representation.

Court may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to a person bringing an action.

§ 6-13.1-5.2

the court may award, in addition to the relief provided in this section, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs

Notice or demand before suit

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

Not found in the statute text reviewed

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.

Due consideration and great weight shall be given to FTC and federal court interpretations of § 5(a) of the FTC Act.

§ 6-13.1-3

due consideration and great weight shall be given to the interpretations of 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.

Court may order injunctive or other equitable relief in addition to damages.

§ 6-13.1-5.2

the court may in its discretion order, in addition to damages, injunctive or other equitable relief

Attorney general civil penalties

Civil monetary penalties sought by the attorney general.

Not more than $10,000 per violation.

§ 6-13.1-8

shall forfeit and pay to the state a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation