For consumers in Leiden affected by large-scale damage, such as in the woekerpolis affair or Dieselgate, interest organizations offer the option of collective litigation. Since 2020, it has also been possible to claim collective compensation, often through the Rechtbank Leiden if the case is locally relevant.
What are collective actions in Leiden?
A collective action involves a lawsuit where an organization represents a group of affected individuals from the region, such as residents of Leiden. This provides clear benefits for local victims:
- Lower costs per individual, ideal for citizens in Leiden
- Greater leverage against multinationals
- Faster resolution compared to numerous individual procedures at the Rechtbank Leiden
WAMCA (since 2020) and local application
The Act on the Resolution of Mass Damage in Collective Action (WAMCA) enables interest organizations to claim compensation on behalf of groups, including consumers in Leiden. Previously, only a declaration of rights was possible, but now you can pursue concrete compensation through this law. For advice on participation, you can contact Het Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Who can litigate in the Leiden region?
Only organizations that meet strict criteria are allowed to act on behalf of local interests:
- A foundation or association with full legal capacity
- Representation of similar interests, such as those of consumers in Leiden
- Adequate representation for the affected group
- Sufficient financial and expertise resources to handle the case
Known examples with impact on Leiden
- Woekerpolis affair, which also affected savers in Leiden
- Dieselgate (emissions fraud) among local car owners
- Privacy breaches by tech companies, relevant to users in Leiden
- Equity lease schemes, with claims filed via the Rechtbank Leiden
Opt-out or opt-in in Leiden cases?
In a WAMCA procedure, the opt-out system applies: as a resident of Leiden, you are automatically included in the ruling unless you specifically opt out with the Rechtbank Leiden. In alternative procedures, opt-in is often required, meaning you must actively register. The Municipality of Leiden can provide information on local support.
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.