Consumer protection is a form of government regulation designed to protect the customer from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Examples of consumer protection regulations include the National Do Not Call Registry, the right to a free credit report, labels on medicine and home products, and stickers on appliances that show energy usage. These laws keep unscrupulous businesses from mistreating or taking advantage of consumers.
Several branches of the United States government have been set up with customer protection in mind. One such branch is the Federal Trade Commission, which focuses on advertising practices, consumer and business education, financial practices, marketing practices, planning and information, and privacy and identity protection. Another branch is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which monitors product safety and protects the public from unreasonable risks, particularly those that could prove to be fatal.
The Lemon Law & Consumer Protection
A great example of consumer protection is the Lemon Law. Even though the law varies from state to state, the basic principle is the same. If a consumer buys a new car that does not conform to its warranties and reports the issue within the allotted time span, the manufacturer or dealer is required by law to repair or replace the automobile at no cost to the consumer. The lemon law helps to protect customers who might otherwise be stuck with a broken automobile or a very expensive repair bill.
Have you become a victim of a defective or dangerous product? Contact Peterson & Associates, P.C. today by calling 816-888-8888 and learn more about your legal options.
How Our Consumer Protection Lawyers Can Help You
Consumer protection isn’t just about preventative measures; it also deals with situations that involve services rendered or promised. The legal principle of “good faith” requires all businesses and service providers to follow through on their contracts and promises—both implied and explicit.
Examples include an insurance company denying payment on a valid claim, a construction company failing to finish a job correctly, a company failing to follow privacy acts, or a manufacturer or distributor declining to repair a product when a repair is due. Our attorneys are also investigating seemingly benign products and their effect on consumers, such as how talcum powder may be linked to ovarian cancer.
All of these examples are violations of consumer protection laws, and legal action may be needed to correct these situations. Since every situation is unique, only an experienced lawyer who understands the intricacies of consumer laws can help you win your case. The Kansas City consumer protection attorneys of Peterson & Associates, P.C. have experience and expertise that will maximize your chance for compensation and a favorable outcome. If you or someone you know has been injured due to a violation of consumer laws, we can help.