what is a consumer rights lawyer

by Mavis Barrows 6 min read

A Consumer Rights Attorney helps understand a consumer about the different types of law and its legal complexities. An attorney of consumer rights will help the consumer file for a lawsuit, investigate thoroughly for the case on the clients’ behalf, represent the client in the court, and provide legal expertise in all these matters.

Full Answer

What does consumer rights attorney mean?

Many persons have asked, “What is a Consumer Lawyer?’” This lawyer focuses on the everyday personal needs in life concerning the purchase and use of consumer products, transactions, communications and the laws that affect these items. When you purchase or use consumer goods, there are attached consumer rights.

What are consumer protection lawyers?

Jan 12, 2019 · A consumer protection attorney can explain your legal rights if you believe you've been taken advantage of by a creditor. Consumer Protection Attorney and Bankruptcy Filings. In some cases, a consumer protection attorney may assist clients in filing for bankruptcy protection. While you can file complaints about violations of consumer protection laws, it could take …

What is a consumer law lawyer?

If you feel that you have been the victim of an act that violated your consumer rights, a consumer protection lawyer can help. Consumer protection lawyers handle a wide range of areas, including consumer fraud, product liability, false advertising, and other business "scams". Use FindLaw to hire a local consumer protection lawyer to uphold your rights against bad business practices.

What are the six rights of a consumer?

A Consumer Rights Attorney helps understand a consumer about the different types of law and its legal complexities. An attorney of consumer rights will help the consumer file for a lawsuit, investigate thoroughly for the case on the clients’ behalf, represent the client in the court, and provide legal expertise in all these matters.

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What is consumer law?

Consumer laws protect the public from unscrupulous ways of doing business. The area of law requires compliance from the corporations that consumer laws regulate.

Which agency enforces consumer protection laws?

The Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Justice all play a role in enforcing consumer protection laws on a federal level. In addition, most states have some level of consumer protection laws.

What is the federal food and drug act?

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act – The Act gives the federal government the power to regulate a range of products including medications, food and tobacco. The Food and Drug Administration has the power to require consumers to get a prescription from a medical professional in order to get certain drugs.

What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – This 1977 legislation restricts the actions of debt collectors. A company trying to collect a debt can’t call in the middle of the night.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

Fair Credit Reporting Act – The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires companies to accurately report information on individual credit reports. Consumers can review a copy of their credit report for free. There’s a formal procedure to dispute inaccurate information in a report.

Can you dispute a charge on a credit card?

Consumers can dispute charges on their credit cards that they didn’t make. They can also dispute the amount if it’s incorrect or if it’s not as they agreed on with the seller. A consumer must initiate a dispute by sending a written notice to the billing inquiries address on their credit card statement.

What is product liability?

In addition to the laws that direct corporate behavior, there are also legal actions that exist in statutory and common law. When an individual brings a claim against a corporation because of a defective product, it’s called a products liability claim.

What is consumer law?

Consumer law involves all of the regulations and statutes that seek to create a more equitable balance for buyers in the marketplace and prevent sellers from using dishonest tactics. A consumer is any individual who purchases goods or services, which may be sold by manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers. Both state and federal laws play ...

What is consumer protection law?

Consumer Protection Laws – Laws designed to protect consumers against unfair trade and credit practices involving faulty and dangerous goods or dishonest claims or tactics. Warranty – An express or implied promise that a product or service is of acceptable quality or standards.

What is a warranty?

Warranty – An express or implied promise that a product or service is of acceptable quality or standards. Consumer Product Safety Commission – A federal agency that establishes mandatory product safety standards to reduce the unreasonable risk of injury to consumers. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – A federal law requiring that warranties ...

What is warranty in consumer products?

Warranty – An express or implied promise that a product or service is of acceptable quality or standards. Consumer Product Safety Commission – A federal agency that establishes mandatory product safety standards to reduce the unreasonable risk of injury to consumers.

What is consumer rights?

Consumer rights are generally a reference to a body of law that pertains to things the producers of goods must do to protect customers from harm. These laws have come into existence through a series of legal disputes, and have been shaped by the results of those cases. In a few instances, some states have actually codified regulations ...

What is the right to be informed?

This means the right of the consumer to have sufficient information to weigh alternatives and to protect the consumer from false and misleading claims in advertising and labeling practices.

What is the third right?

A third right is the right to choose. This means having competing goods and services that offer alternatives in terms of price, quality, and service. This is one area of the consumer rights in which there are significant statutory provisions in the form of anti-trust and unfair competition laws.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated?

If you believe that one of these “rights” has been violated and you have been harmed as a result, you may wish to speak to an attorney. You might have a cause of action for harm caused by a violation of your consumer rights and, if you have suffered harm, there is also a chance others have.

When was the California Consumer Privacy Act passed?

Following the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that rolled out in May 2018 , the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was passed into law about a year later.

What are some examples of debt collectors?

For example, when people fall behind on their bills, debt collectors are in a position to make life even more difficult by calling in the early morning or late night hours, making contact at a person's place of business, and speaking to friends and family. Consumer rights laws prohibit this sort of activity.

What is the FDCPA?

Consumer rights laws prohibit this sort of activity. In fact, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), such harassment can result in a statutory damage award of $1,000 for the victim, plus the attorney fees incurred in bringing the suit. Predatory lending also forms the basis for a large number of consumer protection lawsuits.

What is the purpose of the FTC?

Congress passed legislation creating the FTC, primarily in an effort to combat trusts and anti-competitive business practices. While the agency continues that effort, its role has since been expanded to cover a variety of consumer rights issues.

What are the rights of consumers?

These basic rights include the right to safety, the right to be informed about a product, the right to choose between competing goods, and the right to have their concerns heard. If a consumer feels that these rights have been violated, they may be able to bring a case for the violation of consumer rights.

What is price gouging?

Price gouging is a term used for when a seller raises prices for goods and services to a level much higher than normally expected.

Can lemon cars be repaired?

If you discovered that your recently purchased new or pre-owned vehicle has a defect that can't be repaired, you should be aware of your legal rights — and the California Lemon Law presumption, which can make it even easier to bring a lemon law case.

What are consumer rights?

Consumer rights. When you buy goods or services as a consumer you have certain rights that protect you in the event that there is something wrong. Make sure you understand your rights as a consumer.

When you buy goods or services as a consumer, do you have rights?

When you buy goods or services as a consumer you have certain rights that protect you in the event that there is something wrong. Make sure you understand your rights as a consumer.

What is a consumer?

A consumer is someone who purchases goods or services for personal use (ie a private individual buying goods/services for their own personal use). These rights do not apply to businesses or individuals who purchase goods or services on behalf of a business.

What is digital content?

Digital content is covered by consumer rights and can include computer games, films, music, ebooks or mobile apps. However, the rules on digital content are slightly different and complex. For more information, read Consumer rights when purchasing digital content. Consumer rights apply to any services purchased.

What is considered satisfactory quality?

Satisfactory quality is defined as what a 'reasonable' person would be happy with, looking at all the information readily available such as price (if relevant). Therefore, a luxury or handmade product, like bespoke cupboards or a designer jumper, would have a higher standard as to what is considered satisfactory.

What does "fit for purpose" mean?

'Fit for purpose' means that the goods should be usable for their intended purpose. For example, if you bought a pair of shoes and the stitching started to undo after a short while they would not be considered 'fit for purpose.

How long do you have to reject a product?

As part of your consumer rights, you have a 30-day right to reject faulty goods. This means that you can state that you no longer want the goods, as they are not of satisfactory quality, as described or fit for purpose, and claim a full refund. The time limit starts from the moment you purchase the goods. Once the 30-day right to reject has lapsed ...

What a Consumer Protection lawyer can do for you

If you believe you have been the target of fraud or if you have been accused of fraud, a fraud attorney can clear your name and return you to good standing. A lawyer who has experience with fraud can help you through a wide range of cases, from unintentionally filing a false tax return to someone stealing your credit card.

Why hire a Consumer protection attorney

Consumer protection laws are designed to ensure consumers are treated fairly by businesses and protected against fraud and scams. If someone uses your credit card without your knowledge or consent, that is credit card fraud. If someone sells you stock by misrepresenting its value, that is investment fraud.

Did you know?

Identity theft is the top consumer complaint in America, with 12.6 million instances of fraud last year. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, contact a fraud attorney right away to salvage your finances and reputation.

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What Does Consumer Law Regulate?

  • The practice of consumer law concerns itself with protecting individuals from unfair trade, inaccurate information and unethical ways of doing business. Say the phrase consumer law and most people probably think of banks and fair debt collection practices. However, consumer laws regulate a wide variety of industries. Some of the major pieces of federal consumer protection le…
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Products Liability Claims

  • In addition to the laws that direct corporate behavior, there are also legal actions that exist in statutory and common law. When an individual brings a claim against a corporation because of a defective product, it’s called a products liability claim. An individual who suffers an injury and other losses because of a defective product can bring a claim for compensation. They may ask f…
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Who Practices Consumer Law?

  • Lawyers who practice consumer law work in a wide variety of practices and settings: Advocacy groups– As a consumer lawyer, you might work on behalf of a public interest organization that fights for consumer rights. With a non-profit consumer rights group, you might represent individuals on specific cases. You may also work on legislative efforts to...
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Why Become A Consumer Lawyer?

  • Whatever your goals and motivation, you may be able to find a satisfying practice in consumer law. Consumer laws change quickly. Consumers and businesses alike rely on attorneys to stay up to date on these changes. Many lawyers find ongoing and stable employment with large financial institutions for their entire career. Positions with government agencies are also often stable and …
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Striking The Balance

  • Corporations and consumers alike need lawyers to help them with consumer law. Consumers need protection from unfair practices. Corporations need to be able to do business, and they need to be able to implement laws as they change. By representing their clients, lawyers work to arrive at the right balance between protecting consumers and allowing corporations to function freely …
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