subject: How to Protect Yourself from Deceptive and Unfair Business Practices [print this page] How to Protect Yourself from Deceptive and Unfair Business Practices
An action is considered a deceptive and unfair business practice if it is intended to provide you with misleading information in order to compel you to purchase a particular product or service. Deceptive and unfair business practices are governed by both federal and state laws which provide you with legal recourse to recover any damages you may have suffered.
These laws will protect you even if the business owner did not intentionally try to deceive you. An action may be considered unfair, and therefore illegal, regardless of whether it was specifically designed to deceive consumers.
If you have been the victim of deceptive and unfair business practices, you have several options when trying to protect your rights. The first thing you should do is consult with an experienced commercial litigation attorney who can advise you of your rights. Unfortunately, many commercial litigation attorneys charge very high hourly rates which may prove too expensive for your budget. If you cannot afford the cost of an experienced commercial litigation attorney, you may want to look into the following services when seeking compensation for your damages.
Small Claims Court Advisor
The Department of Consumer Affairs can help advise you of your legal rights. Staff members can help you determine which court your claim should be filed in, how to correctly name the other party, and what materials you will need when you arrive at court. While a Small Claims Court Advisor cannot represent you in court, he can provide valuable assistance as you begin the process of filing your claim.
Dispute Settlement Services
If you believe that your business dispute can be resolved amicably without going to court, you may want to consider mediation as an option. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can eliminate the expense of attorney's fees and court costs. Often, disputes resolved by mediation result in a more fair and balanced settlement agreement for all parties involved while reducing the time and aggravation associated with acrimonious court cases.
Consumer Protection Services
The Department of Consumer Affairs also provides consumer protection services for victims of deceptive and unfair business practices. They will investigate complaints filed with the agency and even provide mediation services in certain situations. When necessary, Consumer Protection Services will also inform law enforcement and other regulatory agencies of the unfair practices being committed by businesses.
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