US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

§ 59.1-515. Individual action for damages.

A. Any natural person who is aggrieved by a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to initiate an action to enjoin such violation and to recover damages in the amount of $500 for each such violation.

B. If the court finds a willful violation, the court may, in its discretion, increase the amount of the award to an amount not exceeding $1,500.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in addition to any damages awarded, such person may be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.

D. An action for damages, attorneys' fees, and costs brought under this section may be filed in an appropriate general district court or small claims court so long as the amount claimed does not exceed the jurisdictional limits set forth in § 16.1-77 or § 16.1-122.2, as applicable. Any action brought under this section that includes a request for an injunction shall be filed in an appropriate circuit court.

(2001, cc. 528, 553.)