subject: Protecting Your Rights Provided By The Consumer Law [print this page] When an individual or a business suffers due to deceptive or unfair practices of another business, they need to use the right to seek legal help. Specific laws determine which business practices are illegal, and it is better to get in touch with an attorney proficient in the consumer laws of your state.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A outlines the directives pertaining to consumer suits. Does the law specify which practices are illegal? No. the circumstances determine which business practices are unfair and deceptive, and therefore, illegal. Certain practices are illegal by nature, like some debt collection practices, sales strategies and so on.
Different strategies come within the scope of this law. The classic examples include using the bait and switch tactic in sales, charging prices higher than the marked/advertised/published price, failing to meet the warranty agreement, failing to provide details of the refund/return policy of goods, and so on.
The laws provide different options for different claimants individuals and businesses. Whether you are an individual or a business, you have to establish specific points pertaining to a consumer lawsuit. In such a situation, getting an attorney with experience in handling Massachusetts consumer law related suits is essential.
What does an individual claimant need to establish? The points to establish include
You, i.e. the consumer, availed goods or services for personal or family related needs
You sent a detailed demand letter with the 30-day deadline
You had to face unfair or deceptive business practices
You suffered damages due to these practices
You may be able to seek compensation for the damages you suffer due to the illegal practices of the business. However, this is no easy task, and you need competent legal counsel to work on the case.
What does a business need to establish to sue another business? Here are the details.
The plaintiff, i.e. the entity suffering damages, is a business
The defendant, i.e. the entity responsible, engaged in unfair or deceptive practices
The occurrence was primarily in Massachusetts
If a business were seeking injunctive relief, they have to establish that the practices may result in damages to them. If a business were seeking compensation for losses, they need to establish the causal relation between the practices and the damages.
Seeking legal help is imperative to compensate for the losses, as well as to prevent the business from doing more harm to others. Get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing time.
