Today’s fast-changing world of technology and/or social media has completely changed how businesses connect with people. While these techs make life easy, they also create fresh ways for businesses to potentially exploit consumers. From bogus or misleading ads on social media or everywhere else to hidden fees in online purchases, people are now more at risk of being treated unfairly and having their rights violated.  

Under federal and state consumer protection laws, individuals have the right to fair treatment in transactions, accurate information, and protection from deceptive tactics. 

Those who may be liable in consumer protection cases include:  

• Corporations that use false advertising, sell unsafe products, or breach consumer privacy.
• Financial institutions that engage in predatory lending, charge hidden fees, or use unfair debt collection tactics.
• Retailers and manufacturers that produce or sell defective or dangerous products.
• Government agencies that fail to enforce consumer protection laws or properly regulate businesses.

History of Consumer Protection Law

Consumer protection laws exist to make sure the marketplace is fair and to stop businesses from taking advantage of people. 

Over the years, many lawsuits have shown just how important it is to hold companies accountable and protect consumers. 

1. Misleading Advertising:
• In 2015, Volkswagen was caught in the “Dieselgate” scandal. The company advertised their diesel cars as eco-friendly, but it turned out they had installed software to cheat emissions tests.
2. Hidden Fees:
• In 2016, Wells Fargo was caught secretly opening millions of accounts without customers’ permission to hit sales goals. Customers were charged with hidden fees.
3. Unsafe Products:
• Johnson & Johnson has been sued many times over claims that its talcum powder products cause cancer. 
4. Predatory Lending:
• In 2008, Countrywide Financial Corporation  was accused of unfair lending, pushing risky loans on low-income borrowers.
5. Data Mishandling:
• In 2018, Cambridge Analytica had allegedly taken data from millions of Facebook users without their permission.

GGH Law understands why legal action is so important—it not only helps those who have been harmed but also prevents future misconduct. We’ve helped clients stand up against fraudulent business practices, illegal debt collection tactics, warranty violations, and more. If you’re dealing with an issue that falls under consumer protection law, you’ve come to the right place. 

What can I recover?

While nothing can undo the harm caused by a commercial litigation issue, the law provides an opportunity to seek compensation for your losses through a commercial litigation lawsuit.

In a civil court, when a lawsuit is filed, the individual bringing the case (the plaintiff) may be entitled to damages if successful. These damages can be categorized into two types:

Economic Damages: These are the financial losses directly resulting from the injury, such as medical expenses, therapy bills, lost wages, or other out-of-pocket costs.

Non-Economic Damages: These include compensation for intangible losses, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life, both in the past and moving forward. These damages account for the physical and mental toll the injury has taken on the plaintiff's life.

If you’ve suffered injury due to someone else's negligence, it’s important to understand the potential for recovery and the types of damages you may be entitled to pursue in court.

Contact Us

At GGH Law, we are dedicated to defend your commercial litigation rights and advocate justice. Let us help you with your case.

Contact GGH today for a free consultation at (312) 728-7444 or contact us online.