Consumer Lawyers
What Are Consumer Lawyers?
Consumer issues can arise whenever a person purchases goods or services as a consumer. There are many different consumer protection laws, all of which are intended to protect consumers from unfair and dishonest practices by sellers.
Consumer protection laws often involve many different legal concepts.
A consumer protection lawyer mostly advocates for their client’s rights in civil lawsuits, in order to ensure that businesses are actually adhering to all regulations placed on them.
What Do Consumer Lawyers Cover?
Consumer law largely focuses on civil remedies to solve problems. The most common example of this would be a lawsuit. However, consumer protection law sometimes also allows for criminal sanctions. This means that prosecutors may file charges in cases involving criminal misconduct, such as consumer fraud or embezzlement.
A consumer protection lawyer may work in any of the following practices:
- Advocacy groups, working on behalf of a public interest organization;
- Large law firms which work to help corporations understand and adhere to all relevant consumer protection measures;
- Small law firms, as well as solo practices, working on behalf of individuals;
- In-house counsel, such as a consumer law lawyer working directly for credit companies; and
- Government agencies, such as working to enforce consumer protection laws.
Many lawyers choose to specialize in consumer law because they are interested in the ever-changing aspect of consumer protection. They will need to frequently re-educate themselves on consumer law in order to stay current and relevant. Such positions are generally stable and allow for long-term employment. Some even go into the field with hopes of pursuing political aspirations.
However, many lawyers decide to specialize in consumer protection because they genuinely care about protecting other people and ensuring their needs are met. They often find personal reward in addition to a stable living.
What Are Some Common Legal Issues Consumers Face?
Some common consumer issues are:
- Consumers’ lack of information or bargaining power;
- False advertising and deceptive business practices;
- Consumer fraud issues;
- Predatory lending and financial scams;
- Issues regarding product safety and defects. It is important to note that there are various defendant parties that may be held civilly liable in cases involving product defects. For example, the store that sold the product, the wholesaler, and the manufacturer may all be somewhat responsible for a defective product that resulted in an injury to a consumer; and
- Personal injuries resulting from dangerous or defective products.
Other common legal issues that consumers may face include:
- Breaches of contract and breaches of consumer warranties;
- Product recalls and products liability claims;
- Identity fraud; and
- Getting billed for products and services that were ultimately not provided.
Do You Need to Hire a Consumer Lawyer?
If you are experiencing any legal issues associated with consumer protection, you should consult with a consumer lawyer. An experienced and local consumer law lawyer will know if there are any existing class action lawsuits you can join, or if you should begin your own. An experienced lawyer will also understand regarding the matter, and how best to represent you in a legal manner.
Additionally, a lawyer will be able to help you initiate a private civil claim against the party who harmed you, by filing a lawsuit against them. Next, a lawyer will gather all necessary evidence for a successful lawsuit, and represent your interests in court.
If you have been accused of consumer fraud, a consumer lawyer can help you clear your name and assist you in returning to good standing. In any case, a consumer protection lawyer can help protect your rights in any civil lawsuits or disputes that may arise from consumer issues.
