A court has dismissed a consumer’s complaint because it ruled The Furniture Ombudsman had resolved the matter.
The district judge at Warwick County Court threw out the claim of an MFI customer from Leamington Spa, who had sought £4250 to cover the cost of a fitted kitchen (for which she had paid £3566) and redecoration. The Furniture Ombudsman had examined the case last year, and awarded £1837.50, which the customer had accepted.
In his judgment, District Judge Jones ordered the claim be struck out as an abuse of process of the court as it stood “no real prospect of success”.
“The claimant seeks to revisit matters already resolved by The Furniture Ombudsman and has accepted the compensation awarded by The Furniture Ombudsman,” said Judge Jones.
Head of Service Rhianwen Roberts said: “This case typifies the misconception that exists among some consumers, who seem to believe in the compensation culture idea which prevails in the United States, where huge sums can be claimed and are sometimes awarded. The customer accepted our decision, but then took it to court in the mistaken belief they could get more money. The decisions of The Furniture Ombudsman are based on legal principles, so it is not surprising that the court in this case should recognise and support our judgment”.
A court has dismissed a consumer’s complaint because it ruled The Furniture Ombudsman had resolved the matter.