Whenever a person does business with a corporation, partnership, or other corporate entity, they expect that entity will act fairly towards them. Unfortunately, businesses all too often take advantage of people who are unaware of their rights or do not understand them.
California law contains some of the nation’s strongest rules concerning fair business practice. As a result, companies in Los Angeles must refrain from engaging in any practice that is unfair, deceptive, or otherwise fraudulent. When businesses ignore this law and cause people to suffer monetary damages, they open themselves up to a lawsuit.
If a business cheated or otherwise misled you, a Los Angeles unfair business practice lawyer can help you investigate the activity and pursue appropriate compensation. Call an experienced attorney today to get started on your claim.
Unfair Business Practices as Defined by Law
California’s Unfair Competition Law creates a cause of action for people abused by an unfair business practice. An unfair business practice is, according to California Business and Professions Code §17200, any unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business act. This code also applies to any misleading advertising.
Examples of unfair business practices can include:
- False advertising concerning the contents of an item for sale
- Bait-and-switch sales tactics
- Listing false prices or sales
In general, the concept of an unfair business practice is very open-ended. This means that if a person has any doubt that their dealings with a business are legitimate, it is generally worth researching the issue. A Los Angeles unfair business practice attorney can answer questions concerning whether someone is being cheated by a business.
What to Do About an Unfair Business Practice
California Business and Professions Code §17204 states that anyone financially injured by an unfair business practice has the right to demand compensation for any resulting losses of money and/or property. This statutory action is very specific and requires a lawyer who is particularly experienced with bringing actions pursuant to this statutory scheme. Therefore, if someone has suffered a monetary loss as a result of an unfair business practice then they should reach out to a seasoned attorney to evaluate and potentially pursue a court action on their and possibly the public’s behalf.
Reporting Unfair Business Practices Without Personal Damages
As with any other civil lawsuit, a person needs to suffer an actual harm to claim damages. While a car salesman who pulls a bait-and-switch scam on a potential customer is certainly in violation of the law, if the potential customer does not buy a car, they have not suffered any damages. In cases like these, people should report the unfair practice to their local district attorney’s office for investigation.
How an Attorney Can Stand Up for Consumers
No one should feel cheated by a business. In fact, California law makes it illegal for businesses to engage in any activity that is deceptive, fraudulent, or unfair. When a business takes advantage of a person and that person suffers a financial loss, the business may be held legally liable for damages. Call a Los Angeles unfair business practice lawyer to see how an attorney could help.