59.1-515 - Individual action for damages. - Virginia Statutes

§ 59.1-515. Individual action for damages.

A. Any natural person who is aggrieved by a violation of this chapter shallbe entitled to initiate an action to enjoin such violation and to recoverdamages in the amount of $500 for each such violation.

B. If the court finds a willful violation, the court may, in its discretion,increase the amount of the award to an amount not exceeding $1,500.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in addition toany damages awarded, such person may be awarded reasonable attorneys' feesand court costs.

D. An action for damages, attorneys' fees, and costs brought under thissection may be filed in an appropriate general district court or small claimscourt so long as the amount claimed does not exceed the jurisdictional limitsset forth in § 16.1-77 or § 16.1-122.2, as applicable. Any action broughtunder this section that includes a request for an injunction shall be filedin an appropriate circuit court.

(2001, cc. 528, 553.)