For residents of Utrecht affected by large-scale damage, such as in the woekerpolis affair or Dieselgate, interest organizations offer the opportunity to proceed collectively. Since 2020, it has also been possible to collectively claim compensation via the Utrecht District Court, which is locally relevant for many consumers in the region.
Why Collective Actions in Utrecht?
A collective action means that an organization conducts a lawsuit on behalf of a group of aggrieved parties at the Utrecht District Court. This is particularly useful for residents of Utrecht and surrounding areas. Benefits for Utrecht residents:
- Costs are shared, so lower per person
- More leverage against powerful companies
- Prevents inefficient individual procedures at the local court
WAMCA Regulation (from 2020)
With the Act on the Settlement of Mass Damage in Collective Action (WAMCA), interest organizations can now not only demand a legal declaration but also direct compensation. This helps Utrecht residents involved in mass claims, and procedures often go through the Utrecht District Court.
Which Organizations May Act?
Only qualified interest organizations may litigate on behalf of Utrecht residents. They must meet strict criteria:
- A foundation or association with full legal capacity
- Representation of similar interests of the victims
- Sufficient representativeness for the group
- Adequate finances and expertise to handle the case
For advice on participation, you can contact the Legal Aid Desk Utrecht.
Examples of Mass Claims
- The woekerpolis affair, which also affected many Utrecht residents
- Dieselgate with fraudulent software in cars
- Data breaches and privacy violations by tech giants
- Effects lease products (stock lease fraud)
Opt-out or Opt-in in Practice?
Under WAMCA, the opt-out system applies: as a resident of Utrecht, you are automatically included in the ruling unless you opt out at the Utrecht District Court. In other collective procedures, opt-in is often required, where you must actively register via the Municipality of Utrecht or the organization.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.