Steps to Take If you Have Been the Victim of Unfair Business Practices
Have you suffered as a result of unfair, fraudulent
, or deceptive business practices by a Texas business or contractor? Here's how to go about getting a remedy.Assess Your Damages
How far you're willing to go to get remedy depends on how much you've really suffered. If you're just out a few bucks for the purchase of an item, you're not going to go to as much trouble as if a defective product caused you serious personal injury, or if a shipment of substandard goods left your business on the hook for a major contract.
Gather Information
How much information you need depends on the level of your complaint. If you are just looking for a refund, you may only need your receipt and maybe the original packaging. If you believe you are the victim of fraud, it may be important to gather printed advertisements, and write down recollections of what you were told by the salesperson. For services, make sure you get together estimates, contracts, and any descriptions of the services purchased. If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit over a defective product, you may need to collect all packaging and instructions to show that you were using the product in a manner consisted with its intended use.
Also make sure to document your decision-making process when purchasing the item. Claims of fraud or misrepresentation often depend on what claims swayed your decision to purchase a particular product or service.
Go to the Seller First
Especially for small claims this is the best first step. In most cases, you can get a refund from a seller that is eager to protect its reputation and avoid further action.
File a Complaint
If the seller does not give you a remedy that satisfies you, you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General. The instructions and forms are on the website and you can file your complaint online.
Use Your Credit Card Company
If you purchased the product or service with your credit card, you can often get your credit card company to flex its muscle and bring recalcitrant merchants in line. Credit card companies will often refund your money up front and then seek compensation from the seller.
Contact an Attorney
This step is typically only necessary if you are dealing with a large sum of money, your complaint involves a business dispute, or you are seeking compensation for secondary damages. However, in cases of personal injury, damage to personal property, or business losses, an attorney may be the only way to get compensation. Plus, if your suit is successful the other party pays your fees.
Steps to Take If you Have Been the Victim of Unfair Business Practices
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