What Do Consumer Law Attorneys Do?

Consumer law creates a balance between buyers and sellers. It also prevents sellers from using dishonest tactics. These laws also give consumers a means to hold businesses accountable and seek legal remedies for violations.

This article explains this area of law and what you should know as a consumer. You’ll also learn about the role of consumer protection attorneys and when you may need one to protect and enforce your rights.

Important Consumer Laws To Know

State and federal laws regulate consumer law. Some of these laws include:

• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law bars debt collectors from using unfair and deceptive methods to collect outstanding debts.
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects information gathered by consumer reporting agencies. Along with credit card agencies, the FCRA protects data collected by medical offices. The FCRA protects consumers from identity theft.
• The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is an industry-wide standard that all retail and wholesale companies must meet for credit card protection.
• The Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1125(a) bans false advertising and deceptive practices.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) monitors companies for scams and unlawful business practices. The state attorney general or consumer protection agency may handle state laws.

Legal Remedies for Consumer Law Violations

Lawmakers have been more proactive in passing consumer protection laws. Merchants and sellers may need help keeping up with this area of law. Consumer rights are critical, but sellers need legal advice from a consumer law attorney to understand changes.

Laws provide a “safe harbor” period for businesses to transition to new regulations. When companies fail to comply, consumers can file complaints with state regulators. They can also bring legal action or join class action suits.

Consider consulting a consumer protection lawyer if you have a consumer law issue. Enforcing consumer protection laws is complex and overwhelming without legal help.

Consumer law focuses on civil remedies, such as lawsuits. Some consumer protection laws also allow criminal sanctions. Such laws have titles like Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA).

Most criminal sanctions are injunctive, not penal. This means the consequences in consumer protection cases aren’t traditional punishments like jail time. They usually involve court orders requiring a business to stop unlawful practices or comply with specific rules.

How To Find a Consumer Law Lawyer Near You

An experienced lawyer can help you explore your legal options if you’ve experienced a consumer rights violation.

Because state law is relevant, your attorney should be licensed in your state. FindLaw’s directory of consumer protection attorneys can get you started. Enter your city and ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information.

Consumer Law Terms To Know

The following terms are often used when discussing consumer protection laws.

• Consumer goods — Goods bought by a person for personal, family, or household uses
• Consumer protection laws — Laws that protect consumers against unfair trade practices
• 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
• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — A federal law requiring that manufacturers make consumer goods warranties fully and conspicuously disclosed in readily understood language
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act — A federal law banning creditors from discriminating against applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or marital status

Related Practice Areas

Consumer law often overlaps with other practice areas, including:

• Lemon Law
• Debtor/Creditor
• Product Liability Law
• Business and Commercial Law
• Personal Injury — Plaintiff