As a consumer, it’s critical to understand that you have a number of rights when interacting with companies. While you may think these rights only impact matters like your credit score or interactions with debt collectors, this is far from the truth. In reality, regular companies and businesses in California are bound by certain rules under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act. It’s imperative to ensure you are familiar with these matters as a consumer. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of discussing your circumstances with an Arroyo Grande consumer lawyer to explore your options if your rights have been violated.
What Is the Consumers Legal Remedies Act and What Does It Do?
The Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) is an important set of laws implemented in California that help prohibit certain business practices as a means of protecting consumers. This law outlines several prohibited behaviors and actions in order to ensure consumers are shielded from unfair, deceptive, and abusive business practices. Some of the prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Misrepresenting the authenticity or source of a good or service
- Advertising goods one way though you intend not to sell them as such
- Claiming that a part or service is necessary when it is not
- Selling furniture without informing consumers that it arrives unassmbled
- Making false statements about a competing business
- Claiming refurbished products are new
- Utilizing “robocalls” for anyone other than current customers or those who owe a debt
If a business perpetuates these actions against you, you generally have the right to take legal action against the violator. While you are generally able to pursue an individual claim against the company, you may also be able to join or start a class action lawsuit.
You should also note that the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for violations of the CLRA is three years from the date on which the violation occurred.
What Should I Do if My Rights Are Violated?
If your rights are violated by a company, it’s imperative to understand that you have legal options in these instances. Typically, you’ll find that the first step in this process is to write a letter to the company demanding they rectify or remedy the violation that occurred. If you wish to file a lawsuit, this must be done thirty days prior to filing. If the company refuses to fix the situation or does not respond by the thirty-day mark, you can file a claim with the court.
As you can see, there are a number of important considerations that must be made if your rights under the CLRA have been violated. At Loker Law, APC, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help guide you through these difficult matters. When you need help, contact our firm to learn how we can assist you.
