Contest Winner Dispute Case

Summary

Plaintiff was initially declared the winner of a promotional contest but later informed that the prize was awarded to another participant. The plaintiff alleges breach of contract. The outcome may depend on the contests terms and conditions and any evidence of communications. Consulting a local attorney is advisable.

Full Conversation

During the *–* football season, defendants conducted a promotional campaign to promote the Carolina Panthers football team and the Ford Dealers of North Carolina, the “One-Half Ton of Fun” Contest (“Contest”). Defendants advertised to the general public a contest for which the grand prize was a new Ford F–* pickup truck. Plaintiff filled out an entry form and entered the Contest. On * January *, the defendants' agent, Brittany Foster, notified the plaintiff that he had been selected as the winner. Plaintiff alleged that Ms. Foster stated: “Congratulations, you have won an F–* Ford truck.” At first, the plaintiff did not believe that he had won the Contest, but he was convinced after repeated assurances from Ms. Foster. Later that day, Scott Crites, Manager of the Carolina Panthers Radio Network, called the plaintiff and told him that he had not won the Contest and that the prize had been given to someone else. Defendants maintained that plaintiff was not the winner because his name was not the first selected from the drawing. Unable to reach the first person whose name was drawn, the defendants selected the plaintiff's name during a second drawing. Subsequently, the first winner appeared to claim his prize, and the defendants awarded him the truck. Plaintiff initiated this suit alleging breach of contract. During the *–* football season, defendants conducted a promotional campaign to promote the Carolina Panthers football team and the Ford Dealers of North Carolina, the “One-Half Ton of Fun” Contest (“Contest”). Defendants advertised to the general public a contest for which the grand prize was a new Ford F–* pickup truck. Plaintiff filled out an entry form and entered the Contest. On * January *, the defendants' agent, Brittany Foster, notified the plaintiff that he had been selected as the winner. Plaintiff alleged that Ms. Foster stated: “Congratulations, you have won an F–* Ford truck.” At first, the plaintiff did not believe that he had won the Contest, but he was convinced after repeated assurances from Ms. Foster. Later that day, Scott Crites, Manager of the Carolina Panthers Radio Network, called the plaintiff and told him that he had not won the Contest and that the prize had been given to someone else. Defendants maintained that plaintiff was not the winner because his name was not the first selected from the drawing. Unable to reach the first person whose name was drawn, the defendants selected the plaintiff's name during a second drawing. Subsequently, the first winner appeared to claim his prize, and the defendants awarded him the truck. Plaintiff initiated this suit alleging breach of contract. wats
Hello Gabb, thank you for sharing your situation. It seems you are involved in a contest dispute case. In New York, several factors can influence the outcome:
- Terms and conditions of the contest
- Communication between the parties involved
- Any evidence to support either party's claim
May I know if you have a copy of the terms and conditions of the contest?
this is for school assignment
Okay, Gabb. Without the terms and conditions, it's harder to assess the situation. However, it might help to gather any other evidence of the communications that occurred. Do you have any record of the conversations with Ms. Foster or Mr. Crites?
I dont have them
Thank you for your response, Gabb. Without the contest's terms and conditions, it might be challenging to prove a breach of contract. However, your discussions with the defendants and any evidence you have of being selected as the winner could still be useful. It would be best if you consult with a local attorney for a more accurate evaluation of your situation.