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Consumer Protection
All consumers face the constant danger of exploitation by unscrupulous businesses and individuals. In this section, lawyers describe the various consumer protection laws and how to use them to secure your rights.
Consumer Protection Articles
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Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits in Oregon
Provided by Helzer Cromar & Schneider, LLP
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a complicated, lengthy process and, unfortunately, 60 to 70 percent of initial claims in Oregon are denied immediately. Read More » -
When Disaster Strikes, Know Your Insurance Policy
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
Home and business owners are realizing how difficult it can be dealing with insurance providers following the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Read More » -
Insurance After A Disaster: Are You Sure You’re In Good Hands?
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
Insurance companies always attempt to minimize costs, which is especially concerning for insureds in Joplin, Missouri following the May 22 tornado. Read More » -
California Court Interprets Commercial Insurance Policy, Says Policy Covers Assault and Battery
Provided by Campbell, Lauter & Murphy
A California Court of Appeals case highlights why it is important for business owners to understand their company’s insurance policy, especially the exclusions. Read More » -
The Future of Internet Policy Bills
Provided by Erik S. Syverson
The recent defeat of two controversial bills, PIPA and SOPA, showed how Internet users can rally together to challenge controversial laws. What does it say about future Internet laws? Learn more in the following article. Read More » -
Qui Tam Lawsuits Under the False Claims Act
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
The False Claims Act seeks to empower employees to report instances of fraud committed by their employers, by rewarding the employees for coming forward and protecting them from retaliation. Read More » -
Legal Basis for Products Liability Claims
Provided by J William Savage PC
Consumers expect that the products they buy will be safe. Toasters should work without starting electrical fires; cars should accelerate and stop safely; and food should be safe from contaminants. Learn more about the basis for products liability lawsuits in the following article. Read More » -
Financial Reform Legislation and Transparency in Hedge Fund Management
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
Reforming Wall Street? A peek at the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Read More » -
Construction Defects Are Serious Concerns in the Pacific Northwest
Provided by Slinde Nelson & Du Val Business Law PC
Construction defects were the downfall of Oregon’s McGuire tower. Learn how similar issues could affect your home or business and what to do if you discover building problems. Read More » -
Joplin Gives Extra Time for Businesses to Declare Plans in Wake of Tornado
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
Following the 2011 Joplin Tornado, city officials are asking businesses to announce whether or not they intended to rebuild. Read More » -
Insurance Bad Faith in Florida
Provided by Corless Associates
In every Florida insurance contract, there is an implied promise by the insurer and the insured to act in good faith when carrying out the terms of the insurance agreement. When the insurer does not do so, by failing to investigate a claim, by wrongfully denying a claim or other action, the insured has a right to make a 'bad faith insurance' claim against the insurer. Read More » -
Exchange-Traded Funds: Benefits and Risks of the Popular Investment Vehicle
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
While ETFs are widely utilized and can be a very useful investment product, many brokers and investors do not understand the products. Read More » -
Florida Weakens Insurance Coverage for Sinkhole Property Damage
Provided by Corless Associates
In 2011, changes were made to Florida's insurance laws that may make it more difficult for homeowners and business owners whose property has been damaged by sinkhole activity to recover from their insurance company. Read More » -
GM Bankruptcy May Impact Victims’ Rights
Provided by Goldenberg & Johnson, PLLC
Bankruptcy rendered the new GM Corporation immune from important liability. However, victims of accidents who filed claims prior to bankruptcy may still be entitled to voice their objections. Read More » -
When is Hot Water Too Hot?
Provided by Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City
The New York State Consumer Protection Board has issued a directive urging consumers to make sure their children and loved ones are protected from extremely painful and possibly fatal scalding burns. Read More » -
New Proposal Calls for Stronger Broker-Dealer Audits
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is contemplating new regulations that would create tougher audits for broker-dealers that do not use outside firms to handle client funds. Read More » -
New Oregon Bad Faith Insurance Law Tabled in Committee
Provided by Chenoweth Law Group, P.C.
A bill currently before the Oregon State Legislature would strengthen the rights of insurance policyholders and third parties to bring legal actions for prohibited insurance practices. Read More » -
Congress Revisits Honest Services Fraud
Provided by the Mead Law Firm P.C.
Since its inception in 1988, a doctrine known as “honest services” fraud has helped prosecutors send hundreds of public officials to jail on corruption charges. Read More » -
Protecting Yourself from Mortgage Fraud
Provided by Koles, Burke & Bustillo, L.L.P.
The growing trend of schemes aimed at homeowners who are fighting to avoid foreclosure. Read More » -
Despite Reporting Law, Heath Care Costs Still Hard to Find
Provided by Law Offices of Stephenson Acquisto & Colman
Unfortunately, it can be surprisingly difficult in California to get an accurate picture of how much a medical procedure will cost. Read More » -
The Psychology of Investment Fraud
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
Scammers often use psychological tricks to influence people to buy into fraudulent investments. Knowing the psychology of fraud can help investors avoid falling prey to investment scams. Read More » -
The Myth of "100% Protected" Securities
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
Instead of 100% protection, certain securities have lost all their value and left investors holding an empty bag. Read More » -
Curbing Mortgage Fraud in South Carolina
Provided by Monckton Law Firm, P.A.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) created a mortgage fraud hotline in June 2008. How is the SCDCA's effort to aid consumers working out? Read More » -
Even Pros Get Scammed
Provided by John McDuff Attorney at Law
Last month, a jury found Kurt Barton guilty of ripping off several investors, including former Heisman trophy winners Ty Detmer, Earl Campbell and Chris Weinke, in a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Barton. Read More » -
Primer on Payment Terms in Residential Remodeling Construction Contracts
Provided by Chenoweth Law Group, P.C.
The most common contracts used by contractors in the residential remodeling context are fixed contracts and cost-plus or “time and materials” (T&M) contracts. Each type of contract approaches payment differently. Learn more about each type of contract, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Read More » -
Decertification of NFL and NBA Players Unions Allows Antitrust Litigation
Provided by The Law Offices of Michael S. Humphries
The NFL went through a tense labor dispute this past summer, but luckily managed not to miss any games. The NBA and the NBA Players Union is at risk of losing their entire 2011-2012 season. Unbeknownst to many, however, are the intricate legal topics that arise between unions and their employers. Read More » -
Florida Senate Bill 408 Becomes Law
Provided by Williams Law Association, P.A.
On May 17, Senate Bill 408 – a controversial overhaul of Florida’s property insurance system – became law with Governor Rick Scott’s signature. Read More » -
Homeowner Insurance Applications - Take Them Seriously
Provided by Tyler & Hamilton, P.A.
Almost every homeowner, and many renters, at one time or the other have applied for homeowners or renter’s insurance. Depending upon one’s locale, this process can be quite informal (sometimes a realtor or mortgage broker takes care of matters) and is often more of a pleasant meeting between salesperson and insurance consumer than what it really should be considered: a critical step in determining the insurability of the applicant and the item or items to be insured. Read More » -
Joplin Tornado: Businesses are Suffering Too
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
The tornado that touched down in Joplin, Missouri earlier this year reminds us just how devastating natural disasters can be, and the importance of business interruption insurance for businesses. Read More » -
Update: Permanent Rule Change Arising Out of FINRA’s Pilot Program
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
A good day for wronged investors: New rule allows for all-public arbitrators in securities arbitration cases. Read More » -
U.S. Supreme Court to Decide California Video Game Violence Law
Provided by Erik S. Syverson
The question is whether the First Amendment prevents California from enacting laws ostensibly restricting free speech in order to protect children from violent images in video games. Read More » -
Storm Season Is Here: Are You Properly Insured?
Provided by Clint Brasher Attorney at Law PC
Hurricane Irene highlights how important it is to make sure your assets are protected in the event of a disaster. Read More » -
Is FINRA’s Proposed Rule Regarding Back-Office Personnel Too Broad?
Provided by Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A.
FINRA's proposed rule has many concerned due to it's breadth of coverage. Read More » -
Lemon on Your Hands? California Law Might Provide Relief
Provided by The Law Offices of Michael S. Humphries
California law provides relief some owners of lemons: new vehicles with serious problems that arise soon after purchase of the vehicle. Read More » -
Protecting Californians From Predatory Settlement Purchases
Provided by The Dolan Law Firm
The California Legislature should adopt SB 510, which would help to protect injured people from predatory settlement purchasing companies. Read More » -
Data Miners Gathering Personal Information
Provided by Erik S. Syverson
If the FTC is able to mandate that browsers install a universal, easy-to-use “do not track” option, consumers will not need to take additional steps to prevent their data from being gathered. Read More » -
Windstorm Insurance A Necessity for Homeowners in Storm-Prone Areas
Provided by Doyle Raizner LLP
It is important for homeowners to know what their basic homeowner’s insurance policy covers and to buy additional windstorm coverage if that damage is excluded from their basic policies. Read More » -
Check Your Credit Report Regularly to Nip Trouble in the Bud
Provided by Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLC
Avoid unpleasant credit surprises by reviewing your credit report on a regular basis, whether or not you have any reason to think something might be wrong. Read More » -
New Dodd-Frank Act Creates Important Rights for Whistleblowers
Provided by Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC
The Dodd-Frank Act gives employees and other whistleblowers with independent knowledge of a financial fraud by any company required to report to the SEC the potential of a big pay-out - up to 30% of any amount recovered over $1 million. Read More » -
Charles Ponzi Is Alive And Well And Living In Texas
Provided by John McDuff Attorney at Law
Following the investment crisis, more and more investment scams are coming to light ― and as two recent securities cases from the Austin area demonstrate, investment fraud is not specific to Wall Street. Read More » -
Supreme Court Decision in Concepcion v. AT&T: Another Blow to Consumers
Provided by Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.
In its recent decision, AT&T Mobility, LLC v. Concepcion, the Supreme Court has removed from consumers another important arrow from their quiver to defend against companies which use unconscionable or improper retail practices against them. Unfortunately, the number of arrows in that quiver are rapidly shrinking. Read More » -
Online Advertisers Continue to Track Movements Even After Users Opt Out
Provided by Erik S. Syverson
Targeted advertising campaigns are more important than ever, and ads based on browsing histories are becoming more common. Behavioral advertising is a great concern for consumers who want to avoid targeted ads and who are concerned about who has access to their personal information. Learn more about what is being done to protect against targeted advertising. Read More » -
Defective Construction Coverage Frustrates Policyholders
Provided by Elkus & Sisson, P.C.
In the world of commercial general liability, policyholders have been frustrated over whether commercial general liability policies cover faulty construction work. Read More » -
U.S. Senate Pushes Truck Safety Legislation
Provided by New York Personal Injury Attorney
There has been no shortage in the news lately of stories about commercial vehicles and truck accidents, so the U.S. Senate is pushing legislation that would give more power to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Read More » -
FDA Issues New Warnings About Risks of Vaginal Mesh
Provided by Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C.
Recent warnings and requests by consumer advocates to recall vaginal mesh highlight the dangers of the transvaginal placement of surgical mesh. The costs to patients may far outweigh any benefits and the FDA is warning doctors to fully inform patients of the risks prior to completing TVM surgery. Read More »
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