Demand Letter Before Legal Action: Purpose and Sample Letter

You have been wronged and wish to sue. While this is your right, there are instances where a simpler approach, such as a pre-litigation letter, is preferable or even mandatory.

This article explains what a pre-litigation letter is, when you must send one, how to send one, whether WhatsApp is acceptable, and what to do if there’s no response.

A sample pre-litigation letter is included here.

What is a Pre-Litigation Letter?

A pre-litigation letter is a written warning given to the opposing party (the one you intend to sue) as a “last chance” before filing a lawsuit. It’s sent without court involvement.

Why Send a Pre-Litigation Letter?

  • To convey a serious message that you intend to uphold your rights and pursue legal action if the violation isn’t rectified.
  • To create written documentation that you gave the other party an opportunity to correct the wrong.
  • If the other party responds, you may gain insight into their perspective, enabling a more informed decision.
  • The other party may offer a settlement to avoid litigation.

 

How to Locate the Defendant’s Information?

Locating defendant information by ID; finding a defendant’s address; legal implications of missing or incorrect information; and completing a small claims lawsuit form. Read more in the article on locating defendant information.

When is Sending Such a Letter Mandatory?

Except in specific cases, sending a pre-litigation letter isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common practice. Courts generally view plaintiffs more favorably if they attempted alternative dispute resolution. Conversely, defendants who ignore or antagonistically respond to pre-litigation letters are viewed negatively.

However, for certain consumer violations, the law mandates written demands for compensation without proof of damage; a pre-litigation letter serves as this written demand. Explanation:

The Consumer Protection Law allows consumers to sue for compensation without proving damages (exemplary damages), up to 10,000 NIS (updated for 2023); for repeated violations, up to 50,000 NIS.

Compensation without proof of damage allows suing for the violation itself, even without demonstrable harm. This mechanism discourages minor consumer violations, acknowledging that proving harm may be difficult for consumers.

According to Section 31a(b) of the Consumer Protection Law, compensation without proof of damage cannot be claimed without a prior written request to the violating business. A pre-litigation letter fulfills this requirement.

Note: Compensation can be sought without a pre-litigation letter; however, it won’t be considered “compensation without proof of damage,” requiring proof of harm.

Products purchased at the establishment.
  1. Furniture assembled at the consumer’s home;
  2. Goods manufactured specifically for the consumer according to special measurements or requirements;
  3. Goods that by law cannot be returned;
  4. Food products;
  5. Medicines and dietary supplements;
  6. Perishable goods – products that, from the moment they are supplied to the customer, cannot be reused or supplied to another, or products whose value will decrease (or spoil) by the time they are returned to the business;
  7. Information as defined in the Computers Law (“data, signs, concepts or instructions, except for software, expressed in computer-readable language, and stored in a computer or other storage medium, provided that the data, signs, concepts or instructions are not intended for use in a support computer only”);
  8. Goods that can be recorded, copied or duplicated, where the consumer has opened their original packaging (such as books);
  9. Underwear, including swimwear;
  10. Liquefied petroleum gas (cylinder or gas tank);
  11. Jewelry priced above 3,000 NIS, excluding watches;
  12. Hospitality, travel, leisure and entertainment services performed entirely outside of Israel;
  13. Where the consumer requested delivery of a product more than 6 months from the date of the transaction, the transaction cannot be cancelled after the products have been supplied.
  14. Transactions whose consideration was paid using gift certificates, gift vouchers or rechargeable magnetic cards.
  15. Unpackaged tableware.
I have completed preparing a small claims action. What is the next step?

How to File a Small Claims Case. We have compiled all you need to know about the process – Filing a Small Claims Case.

Educational and Higher Education Institutions

This amendment, effective September 2018, prohibits smoking in all educational institutions, including higher education institutions and post-secondary institutions with students over 18 (including courtyards and student residences), kindergartens, nurseries, and daycare centers (including courtyards). The smoking ban extends to the premises and an additional 10-meter radius from entrances and exits (excluding residential buildings within this radius). The 10-meter restriction does not apply to playgrounds.

In higher education institutions and post-secondary institutions with students over 18, the institution’s administration may designate a separate smoking room (excluding administrative or faculty offices), provided the room is adequately ventilated and does not cause a nuisance to other areas.

Street vending transaction (a transaction conducted outside of a fixed place of business).

A peddler’s transaction is one where the vendor offered goods or services without a prior order from the consumer. This occurs outside the vendor’s place of business or that of their representative. For example, if the vendor sets up a sales stand at a military base and the consumer makes a purchase, this is a peddler’s transaction, as the consumer did not initiate the contact and the transaction took place within their proximity.

The consumer may cancel the agreement according to the type of peddler’s transaction (goods or services):

Peddler’s Transaction for Sale of Goods: The right of cancellation exists from the date of the agreement until 14 days from the delivery of the goods or from the receipt of the transaction details, whichever is later.

Peddler’s Transaction for Sale of Services: The right of cancellation exists within 14 days from the date of the agreement or from the receipt of the transaction details, whichever is later. In an ongoing service contract, the right of cancellation exists regardless of whether the service has commenced. In a one-time service contract, the right of cancellation exists as long as the service has not commenced.

In the event of cancellation of a peddler’s transaction, the vendor shall return the full consideration paid by the consumer. If the transaction involves goods, the consumer shall return the goods to the vendor. If the transaction involves an ongoing service contract and the service has commenced, the consumer shall pay the pro-rata consideration for the service rendered and return any goods received for the provision of the service (if any).

Note: A vendor who installed goods in the consumer’s home to provide a service under the agreement may charge a fee for installation costs not exceeding 100 ₪. The vendor also retains the right to claim damages – if any – due to a decrease in the value of the goods that were the basis of the transaction. Furthermore, it should be noted that peddler’s transactions for perishable goods are not cancellable.

The hearing is imminent; proper conduct, attire, and demeanor are required.

First, take a deep breath. Having done so:

Arrive appropriately dressed (no shorts and flip-flops). Bring photo identification (for entry), a hard copy of the writ of summons and its exhibits, and arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled hearing time; have coffee in the cafeteria, observe the courtroom, absorb the atmosphere, and alleviate tension.

From the moment you enter the courtroom (and ideally, as a way of life), conduct yourselves respectfully towards all present; from the defendant, through the court clerk, to the judge. The assumption that whoever shouts loudest is right does not hold true in court.

What documents must be appended to a small claims action?

All supporting documentation upon which the claimant intends to rely must be attached to the small claims lawsuit. For example, in a small claims action for breach of a lease agreement, it is appropriate to attach a copy of the signed agreement and any document substantiating the alleged breach (such as text messages, a dishonored check, a recording of a conversation, etc.).

His judgment is swift. Is he available?

He prefers to maintain privacy on this matter. However, attempts to contact him are always welcome.

A hearing has been scheduled at an inconvenient time. What procedures are available to seek a rescheduling?

To reschedule a hearing, any party must submit a written request specifying the reasons for the requested change and attaching any relevant documents.

For example, if a plaintiff/defendant has pre-planned international travel coinciding with the scheduled hearing, this must be stated in the written request, supported by an affidavit and accompanying documentation (e.g., flight tickets and booking confirmation in the applicant’s name).

Hawking transaction

Non-delivery in itinerant sales transactions – a transaction where the trader offered to perform the transaction without an order from the consumer, in any place that is not the trader’s business premises or those of his representative. It is not possible to cancel an itinerant sales transaction for the purchase of “perishable” goods. That is, products that, once supplied to the customer, cannot be reused or supplied to another, or products whose value will decrease (or will deteriorate) until they are returned to the trader.

May a claim that could qualify as a small claims action be filed as a standard civil action instead of a small claims action?

Yes, it is possible to file a small claims lawsuit in civil proceedings. Regarding the advantages and disadvantages of filing a small claims lawsuit versus a “regular” civil lawsuit, please see our article Filing a Small Claims Lawsuit – Everything You Need to Know.

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How to Send a Pre-Litigation Letter

You may send the letter via any written means – electronic (yes, WhatsApp), fax, or registered mail. The crucial aspect is obtaining proof of receipt.

For instance, send registered mail (with tracking number) to the business’s registered address. The tracking number allows monitoring via Israel Post’s tracking website.

Alternatively, use a messaging app (showing a blue checkmark) or email with a delivery confirmation.

 

What to Include in the Letter

No standard format is mandated. However, certain details should be included for effectiveness:

  1. Date
  2. Recipient’s full details
  3. “Without prejudice” statement
  4. Subject (“Pre-Litigation Notice”)
  5. Concise factual summary
  6. Demand
  7. Deadline for compliance
  8. If monetary compensation is sought – beneficiary details and bank account
  9. Full name and signature

 

What to Do if There’s No Response

Two main options exist:

  1. Drop the matter.
  2. File a small claims lawsuit. Small claims lawsuits cover amounts up to 38,900 NIS (as of 2024).

Many file small claims lawsuits even if potential compensation exceeds this limit, due to various factors.
It’s a faster process (average six months for judgment), significantly cheaper (court fees are much lower than in a regular civil case), conducted without lawyers, and judges are not bound by strict evidentiary rules (allowing presentation of evidence inadmissible in a regular civil court).

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