Every day, consumer cases arise from lemon laws, identity theft, sales contracts, and defective products to name a few. Legally defined, consumers are individuals who obtain goods or services for ownership or direct use. Consumers file claims when they feel they have been taken advantage of by any business, which can range from a small, local entity to a global corporation.
At both the state and federal level, consumers’ rights are protected through consumer protection laws and organizations like the Federal Credit Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. Collectively, consumer laws and regulatory agencies protect consumers from identity theft, scam artists, deceptive marketing, lemon laws, and shoddy construction among some things. They also keep businesses from engaging in fraudulent or unfair practices and advocate for the free flow of accurate and reliable information in the marketplace.
Within the field of consumer law, some industries face higher rates of consumer complaints and lawsuits than others. Car sales, household products and real estate problems are some common causes of consumer legal action. In real estate, consumer complaints include retirement communities, assisted living facilities, timeshare sales, resales and complaints against real estate sales people and brokers. Landlord/tenant issues also give rise to consumer legal action. Fraud is another major cause of consumer complaints. This category includes illegitimate sweepstakes and lotteries, fake check scams, grandparent scams, and more. Retail is another big area of consumer lawsuits. Consumer cases in this category include false advertising, defective products, and deceptive practices. Shoddy or incomplete construction and home improvement projects give rise to consumer lawsuits, as do credit problems. Nationwide, automobile problems account for the most consumer claims.
If you feel you have been wronged after using or purchasing a product, or if you are a business owner and have received a Complaint, you should seek legal advice by contacting a lawyer at the LAW OFFICE OF MITCHELL B. HANNAH so we can help discuss the next option for their case.