If you have had a less-than-satisfactory experience with Suddenlink, the cable provider, you may be considering taking legal action. Suing a company like Suddenlink can be complex and intimidating, but knowing your rights and the process can help make it a little easier.
About Suddenlink
Suddenlink is a telecommunications company that provides cable television, internet, and telephone services in the United States. It is the seventh-largest cable operator in the United States, serving more than 4.9 million customers in 19 states.
Suddenlink traces its roots back to the 1990s, when Classic Communications was founded in Texas. The company grew quickly, and by 2004, it had acquired cable companies across the country, including Cox Communications, Charter Communications, and Cablevision. In 2010, Classic Communications was acquired by Suddenlink Communications, which was founded in 2003 by two former Charter executives: Jerry Kent and Tom Cullen. Suddenlink quickly grew to become one of the largest cable companies in the United States, providing services to more than four million customers in 19 states.
The company has been praised for its innovative technologies, such as its use of low-cost remote terminal units and the introduction of TiVo digital video recorders. Today, Suddenlink continues to be a leader in the industry, providing customers with high-speed internet, digital television, and phone services. The company's website states it is committed to providing a reliable and affordable service to its customers, and to that end, has invested heavily in its infrastructure and customer service.
That said any large company is going to make mistakes, and if you've been negatively impacted by one via Suddenlink, this article can help explain how to seek compensation.
Generate, sign, and mail a demand letter and small claims filing in minutes from your phone or computer with Dispute's software.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights
Before you start the process of suing Suddenlink, it is important to understand your rights and the legal basis for your claim. Suddenlink’s customer service agreements typically contain provisions that limit the company’s liability in certain situations. It is important to know what rights you have and which ones Suddenlink may be violating.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
The next step is to gather evidence to support your claim. Depending on the nature of your claim, this could include documents, photographs, recordings, or other items that can help prove your case. Make sure that you keep all of your documents organized and in one place so that it is easy to access them when needed.
Step 3: Consider an Attorney
Once you have gathered all of your evidence, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand the legal process and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you negotiate a settlement or represent you in court.
Step 4: File an Internal Complaint
Once you have consulted an attorney, the next step is to file a complaint with Suddenlink. This can be done through the company’s website or by calling customer service. Be sure to include all of the relevant documents and evidence to support your claim.
Step 5: File a Lawsuit
If Suddenlink fails to respond or resolves your complaint in an unsatisfactory manner, you may need to file a lawsuit. This involves filing a complaint in court and can be a lengthy and expensive process. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and represent you in court.
If the situation seems to be a bit smaller than hiring an attorney and filing a civil suit, you can consider small claims court. The benefit of small claims court is that lawyers aren’t required. This makes small claims less intimidating and more affordable for most Americans
With Dispute software, you can start your small claims case by generating, signing, and mailing a demand letter and small claims filing in minutes from your phone or computer. Keep reading below for more info on how to move forward.
Write a Demand Letter
A demand letter is a formal letter asking for payment. Strongly worded demand letters on professional letterhead have a better chance of reaching a settlement out of court than regular letters. At Dispute, you can generate a demand letter in minutes.
- On the top, in the address block, put in the company name and address. You can find the registered agent at the bottom of this page.
- Next, put the subject line as 'Re: Demand for Payment'
- In one sentence, tell them how much the other party owes you which you will claim in your small claims lawsuit.
- Then, in two to three sentences describe your issue.
- Finally, state in plain language that you will go to small claims court if necessary. Don't say that you will do anything else, such as speaking poorly about them.
- On the bottom, include your name and address
How to Send a Demand Letter
After you write the demand letter, you’ll want to send it to their registered agent so that it’s guaranteed to go to the legal department. Make sure that you get a tracking number for the mail you send them. It can become important evidence in your case.
Demand letters are often mailed. But if you don’t have time to find a printer, buy an envelope, and visit a post office, we can mail it for you. Send your demand letter with just a click from the comfort of your home with Dispute.
Start your Small Claims Forms
If the dealership does not pay you after receiving the demand letter, you can file a small claim to win your money back. Although this may sound complicated, small claims is actually less complicated than regular court. There are some county guidelines you’ll have to follow, but filing with Dispute can make it easier on you.
You’ll need to find and prepare your small claims form based on where you decide to sue. Usually, people sue where the defendant lives or does business.
Then, wherever you decide to sue, look up the county's small claims system. They’ll provide details on their website about what small claims forms are necessary. You can read more about the small claims process here.
Serve your Small Claims Paperwork
One of the last steps before your trial will be to physically give the small claims paperwork to the defendant. This is called “serving” the defendant. You can’t serve the defendant yourself, but you can find someone else to do it. Many people hire professional process servers. There are legal guidelines that you must follow so that your case can go to court.
Defendants may sometimes avoid service. In order to keep your court date, you should hire a professional process server so that you can be sure all legal guidelines are appropriately followed.
Attend your Small Claims Trial
On the date of your small claims trial, be sure to arrive early and well prepared. Bring at least three copies of all evidence you intend to present, and if your hearing is remote be sure to have provided copies in advance to the other party and to the court. Failure to follow the strict local guidelines can result in your case being dismissed, but if you’ve followed the rules then you can often win by default when the other party doesn’t show up.
How Much it Costs
So how much will you spend by suing in small claims court?
- Court Filing Fees: The amount you will pay to file a small claims lawsuit depends on how much you are suing for and where you are suing. You can expect to pay between $30 to $400 to file the lawsuit. If you cannot afford to pay court fees, you can ask the court to waive the fees.
- Serving Costs: Once the lawsuit is filed, you must notify the defendant that you have sued them. This is called "serving." Serving Costs can range from $20-100 depending upon the local area.
Remember, if you win, you can request that the other party pay for your court fees and serving costs.
The Benefits of Small Claims Court
- Court filing fees are cheaper in small claims than in other courts.
- The process is faster in small claims than in other courts, as your hearing will usually be scheduled 30-70 days after you file the lawsuit.
- Lawyers are generally not allowed in small claims, which helps keep the costs of suing low.
Taking the First Step in Your Lawsuit
If all of this work seems complicated or daunting, rest assured that it's easier than it initially seems. 2.7 million small claims court cases are filed annually in the US, which is only growing as more people realize how easy it is to enforce their legal rights in court.
Suing can be a complex and challenging process. It's essential to gather evidence and understand the legal process. If you believe that you have been the victim of this crime, don't hesitate to seek legal advice. By taking action, you can hold the company accountable for its actions and receive the compensation you deserve.
