As a consumer, you may find that your legal rights are under siege. The more automated and advanced the economy becomes, the more that corporations and businesses may try to push you around. There are strict federal and state laws that protect you as a consumer. If these rights have been violated, you have the ability to push back.
A consumer law attorney knows the full scope and extent of the laws that are in place for your benefit. They can speak on your behalf, both when you are dealing with the company and when you are filing a lawsuit. If you find yourself in need of assistance, reach out today to schedule a free case review.
Federal Consumer Protection Laws
Here are some of the many laws that are in place, both on the federal and state level, to protect you:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act – This federal law requires both accuracy and transparency in your credit reports. Both the credit bureaus and entities reporting negative credit information can be legally responsible for incorrect reporting.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – There are limits on the means and methods that debt collectors can use when trying to recover money owed
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act – Telemarketers are prohibited from contacting you without your consent if you are on a Do-Not-Call registry.
- Truth in Lending Act – Consumers are protected from predatory and unfair lending practices, both with regard to interest rates and fees.
Mississippi Consumer Protection Laws
In addition to federal consumer protection laws, Mississippi also has its own Consumer Protection Act. The state’s law prohibits “unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive trade practices or acts in the conduct of any trade or commerce.”
Here are some things that may be prohibited under Mississippi law:
- Misrepresenting certain crucial characteristics of consumer goods
- Misrepresenting the standard, quality, or grade of products
- False or misleading advertising
- Falsely claiming that certain goods are new
In addition, there are special protections that apply when you are buying a car. Mississippi has its own lemon laws that give you protection for one year after the sale when the vehicle does not conform with all applicable express warranties that significantly affect the use, market value, or safety of the vehicle.
However, Mississippi state law is not particularly strong when it comes to consumer rights. You can only file a lawsuit against a business for a breach of the law under limited circumstances.
Your Remedies When a Business Broke the Law
The financial and legal relief that you are entitled to depends on the law that the defendant broke. Many consumer protection laws (at least the federal ones) allow you to sue a defendant directly for violating them. Chances are, if the defendant has broken the law in your case, they are violating it in their dealings with many other consumers.
In many consumer protection lawsuits, you can obtain the actual damages that you suffered from the abusive practice. Other violations could lead to penalties against the defendant. For example, if the defendant violated the FDCPA, you can recover for the physical and mental damages that you suffered as a result of the illegal debt collection efforts.
It also goes without saying that you want the illegal business practice to stop. For example, if your credit report has been damaged, you can get that fixed.
Why You Need a Jackson Consumer Law Attorney
There is a vast set of state and consumer protection laws, and you need an experienced attorney who is familiar with all of them to get you the appropriate relief. Many businesses will not back down, even in the face of large potential penalties. We are not afraid to go every round necessary to get justice and relief for our clients.
In many cases, you get a steady stream of excuses or the entire runaround before you reach the end of the line with a company. At that point (or even before that point), you should bring in a lawyer who knows how to handle companies that break the law.
Call a Jackson Consumer Law Attorney
Ware Law Firm knows exactly what to do when a company violates your rights as a consumer. We know the laws and how to take the most effective action on your behalf. To learn how we can help you in a consumer law case, you can contact us today. We will learn more about your case and explain your legal options.
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