Rhode Island § 5-50-9 - Health Clubs

§ 5-50-9. Remedies, injunctive relief, and civil penalties.

(a) Any buyer of a health club contract that is in material violation of this chapter has a right to cancel the contract and a right of action against the health club for recovery of triple the amount actually paid to the health club under the contract. In addition to any judgment awarded to the buyer, the court may allow reasonable attorney’s fees to be taxed as cost.

(b) The superior court of this state has jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this chapter. The court may issue appropriate decrees upon consent and stipulation by the parties. The court may also issue restraining orders. Under no circumstances is the state required to post bond in any action under this section.

(c) The attorney general is authorized to apply to the superior court for an order temporarily or permanently restraining and enjoining any health club from operating in violation of any provision of this chapter. The attorney general may institute proceedings as provided in subsection (b).

(d)(1) Any person may institute proceedings for injunctive relief, temporary or permanent, as provided in subsection (b), against threatened loss or damage by a violation of this chapter.

(2) A preliminary injunction may be issued upon a showing that the danger of irreparable loss or damage is immediate and, within the court’s discretion, the execution of property bond against damages for an injunction improvidently granted.

(3) If the court issues a permanent injunction, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees, filing fees, and reasonable costs of the suit. Reasonable costs of the suit may include, but not be limited to, the expenses of discovery and document production.

(e) In addition to the injunctive relief authorized by subsection (b), any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who or that violates this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty in a suit by the attorney general of this state of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation.