Consumer Protection Lawyers
What does a consumer protection attorney do?
Consumers have four core legal rights in any transaction with a business: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard. Consumer protection attorneys represent people whose rights have been violated.
Some of the types of matters a consumer protection attorney might be involved with include:
- Auto dealer fraud, such as hiding information about a car.
- Credit card fraud, including illegal practices by credit card companies, as well as credit card theft or scams.
- Investment fraud, such as misrepresenting the value of an investment.
- Mortgage fraud, such as predatory lending or misrepresenting loan terms.
- False or deceptive advertising.
- False product information, such as “Made in the USA” claims.
- Fake contests or sweepstakes and other scams.
- Illegal debt collection practices.
- Inaccurate information on credit reports.
- Violations of telemarketing rules, such as failing to respect “Do Not Call” lists.
- Product liability.
Consumer protection attorneys represent victims of these illegal business practices in investigations, negotiation, and litigation. A consumer protection lawyer may represent an individual victim or a collection of similarly harmed consumers in a class action lawsuit. They may also work on behalf of advocacy groups.
How much does a consumer protection lawyer cost?
The amount and type of attorney’s fee for consumer cases varies widely depending on the specific type of case. Some types of consumer matters are billed by the hour, which may range from $125 to $300 or more depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s level of experience. However, many consumer protection laws specify an attorney’s fee that the plaintiff (the consumer) can recover if the case is successfully resolved, which means the fee is contingent on the outcome. Consumer protection laws vary from state to state, so the best way to understand the potential cost is to talk to an attorney in your state who knows the laws relevant to your claim.
How do I choose the right consumer protection lawyer?
Again, consumer protection is a broad area of law, and the relevant statutes and regulations vary from state to state. Look for an attorney who has experience and a strong track record handling cases like yours in your jurisdiction. The defendants in consumer cases typically have strong legal representation on their side, so it’s important to get someone with the right kind of experience to level the playing field.
You also need an attorney who you are comfortable speaking with, including sharing personal information. Consumer protection cases, particularly those involving debt collection or other financial matters, are often emotionally difficult. It’s important to have a lawyer who will listen empathetically to your story and who seems genuinely interested in solving your problem.
Most consumer protection lawyers offer free consultations, so it’s worth your while to speak with an attorney in your area about your potential case. You have rights as a consumer, and if you believe they’ve been violated, you have recourse.
