This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
Once we’ve received your intake form and both contracts, we begin building your legal case. The first step is drafting your claim letter. This is also known as a demand letter or notice of claim. This letter is a formal legal document that lays out your claims and requests a resolution from the lender and/or installer.
This step is the framework that allows us to move forward. Your demand letter links your specific complaints to their legal foundation. Here’s what to expect.
The Purpose of the Claim Letter
The claim letter is required before we can initiate arbitration. It’s our way of officially notifying the lender (and in some cases, the installer) of the legal violations in your case and giving them a final opportunity to resolve the matter without arbitration.
While early settlements are rare in solar panel cases, sending this letter is a necessary and powerful part of the process. It demonstrates that you’re serious. It also demonstrates that you have legal grounds to pursue relief.
What the Claim Letter Includes
We typically draft your claim letter within about a week after we receive your documentation. Our legal team focuses on the legal foundations of your claims, not just your personal experience, but the specific violations that occurred, such as:
- Breach of contract and fraudulent dealer fees
- Violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), including false promises about electricity savings, tax credits, or warranties
- Claims related to signature issues or improper authorization
The letter outlines:
- What you were promised
- How those promises were broken
- What harm you’ve suffered as a result
- What we are demanding. For example: loan cancellation, a full refund, lien removal, and/or credit repair
Once the letter is sent, the opposing party has 60 days to respond before we file for arbitration.
What Can Delay This Step?
We work quickly, but occasionally we may have to revise and resend the claim letter. This usually happens when the loan is sold or transferred to a new servicer. In those cases, we’ll draft a new letter addressed to the current loan holder, which can add time to the process.
To avoid unnecessary delays, we encourage clients to keep our case management team informed about any communications from their lender or installer.
We’re Building Your Case for Maximum Impact
At Prevost Law Firm, we don’t send generic notices. Every claim letter is carefully built around the strongest legal arguments in your case, based on state and federal protections like the DTPA. This letter is the beginning of your fight for relief, and we take it seriously.