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Hello, and welcome to éducaloi.tv, Éducaloi's webcast about the legal rights and obligations
of Quebecers. Demand letter
Picture this: You're strolling along, minding your own business, when suddenly, out of nowhere,
your neighbour's annoying little dog runs up to you and bites your toe. You shriek in
pain and get yourself to the nearest hospital where you have to get stitches. A few days
later, you go and see your neighbour. You insist that she reimburse you for the consequences
of the dog bite -- cost of medication and salary for two days of work you missed. Your
neighbour refuses. You're tempted to sue, but wait! Breathe in, breathe out and consider
sending a demand letter first. A demand letter is a letter saying you are
giving someone a last chance to do something or to stop doing something before suing them.
It's always a good idea to send a demand letter. Why?
First, because sometimes the law requires you to send a demand letter before suing.
Second, it gives the person you want to sue a chance to do what you're asking or to explain
her position -- which can ultimately save you the trouble of having to sue.
You can write a demand letter yourself.
Aside from the date, the name and address of the person you're sending it to, your signature,
and your contact information, a demand letter should include the following :
A summary of the facts. For example, on July 5, your dog bit my toe. I've been in a lot
of pain, had to take medication and missed two days of work.
What you're asking for. $1,000 for the pain, cost of medication and two days of lost salary.
The time limit that you are giving the person to do what you are asking and the fact that
you will sue her if she doesn't comply within that time limit.
To prove that your demand letter was in fact received, you can use a bailiff to deliver
it, or send it by registered mail. There you go! To learn more about demand letters,
or your rights and obligations in general, visit educaloi.qc.ca.