subject: Consumer Law – where you may lodge a complaint [print this page] Consumer Law where you may lodge a complaint
Before you file a consumer protection lawsuit, it is essential to find a lawyer who would represent you at a court of law. However, it is not very cost-effective if you are a single consumer and the question involves a comparatively less sum of money. What do you need to do in such a situation? This is exactly what we are going to discuss.
Filing a complaint at the right place
The first step is to file a complaint at the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center. You can also do this online. Just fill out the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Complaint Form and submit it. This is the best way to lodge a complaint with the federal authorities.
If it concerns state laws, it is necessary to take it up at that level. The Consumer Protection division, operational under the Attorney General's Office, takes care of these cases. You need to file a complaint at this division and wait for an investigation and results from the authority.
Filing at the local consumer protection agency is also another option to consider. A number of municipal agencies or Better Business Bureaus that help you reach an agreement on the question of dispute. You can also talk to a local consumers' union or a legal service provider to help you out on the case.
Finding the right legal professional
If you were still unable to resolve the issue, you would need one of the competent consumer law lawyers to handle the case. Locating the right lawyer is important as only a capable professional can reach a resolution suitable for you. Whether it is negotiation or a face-to-face contest, a good lawyer can tackle the issue properly.
How do you find such a lawyer? The best method is to ask your contacts for references. A lawyer who has already worked for someone is always a better choice because you have a first hand account of how good he/she is at his/her job. However, if you are unable to find a legal professional in this way, you have the online resources right at hand.
Don't let the glossy adverts allure you into choosing the wrong lawyer! Before you choose to hire the services of a consumer law lawyer, have a thorough check of the credentials, specialization, work experience, license, and such factors. After you are satisfied in these regards, contact the lawyer and ask for an initial consultation. And ask whether he/she charges for this session or not.
Prepare a list of questions you need to ask. Also, note down the points of your case. It won't do you any good if you forget to mention a particular point related to the case. The lawyer is bound to ask questions, be sure to answer them correctly. You also need to carry all documents relevant to the case to let the lawyer examine them.
New York is a city having number of registered law firms. But very few of those are competent enough to solve any complicated legal issues. If you are looking for a New York based reputed lawyer, please visit 800 New York Lawyer directory to get the required information.
