§ 31-5.1-13 - Civil remedies. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 31-5.1-13

   § 31-5.1-13  Civil remedies. – (a) Notwithstanding the terms, provisions, or conditions of any agreement orfranchise or the terms or provisions of any waiver, any consumer who is injuredby a violation of this chapter, or any party to a franchise who is so injuredin his or her business or property by a violation of this chapter relating tothat franchise, or any person so injured because he or she refuses to accede toa proposal for an arrangement which, if consummated, would be in violation ofthis chapter, may bring a civil action in the superior court to enjoin furtherviolations, and to recover the actual damages sustained by that person togetherwith the costs of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

   (b) Any motor vehicle dealer or franchisee shall have theright to civil damages; including a reasonable attorney's fee, for any losssustained as a result of a violation of this chapter. A final judgment, order,or decree rendered against a person in any civil, criminal, or administrativeproceeding under the United States anti-trust laws, under the Federal TradeCommission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq., or under this chapter shall beregarded as prima facie evidence against that person subject to the conditionsset forth in the United States anti-trust laws (15 U.S.C. § 16).