On a recent flight the airline mislaid my baggage. I had some important documents that I needed for work that were not returned to me until a week later, which led to a business deal collapsing. Can I pursue legal action for damages against the airline? The compensation they have offered is a paltry amount compared to the money I lost.
Airline tickets usually come with terms and conditions that deal with baggage handling and fares. You have to refer to these to find out the airline’s potential liability for losing your baggage. Per UAE civil aviation laws, you have to provide evidence to prove losses incurred as a result of airline incompetence that led to mishandling of your baggage. The UAE is also part of international convention on aviation that makes airlines liable for loss of baggage.
I bought a phone contract that offered me a free iPhone a year ago, but the contract for the line rental is for two years. I am leaving the country before that period is up. Can I cancel the contract and give the iPhone back to the phone company?
You have to review your contract with your operator to understand your legal rights upon cancelling the contract. Cancellation of subscription shall be per the contract signed between you. It is important that you contact the company to understand the consequences of early cancellation.
I took my car to a workshop in Abu Dhabi and was charged Dh14,000 for repairs and parts. Is there a way I could find out if I've been overcharged?
The service provider is obliged to provide a list of services performed upon a car. As owner of the car you have a right to demand all documents to substantiate the list of services performed. You also have a right to inquire about costs of new products before agreeing to the work. If you think the costs of changing parts are too high then you may deny permission to proceed with the work.
If you have a question for our lawyer, email newsdesk@thenational.ae with the subject line ‘Consumer Q&A’.