For many of us times have changed as consumers.  The quality of service you receive and the reliability of the goods you purchase are just not what they used to be. You likely have had a recent experience as a consumer which left you with a feeling much worse than “buyer’s remorse”.

It is an unfortunate reality that there are many unscrupulous businesses out there that try to take advantage of consumers on a daily basis. Many businesses, both big and small, will make false promises in regard to their products or services with no intention of delivering on those promises.  In the end, the business gets your money and you get something less than you bargained for.  The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) was designed to level the playing field in business for consumers. This consumer protection law is liberally construed by the Courts to protect consumers.  

Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)

The harshness of the old maxim of “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) no longer stands as the norm for Texas consumers.  Texas consumer protection law now provides for previously unavailable remedies for those who have been the victim of false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices.  In many instances, someone who has been wronged in connection with a consumer transaction can be awarded up to 3 times his or her economic damages, and can also receive an award of their attorney’s fees.  Some of the practices from which consumers can now seek redress under the DTPA Texas consumer protection law are:

• false advertising in regard to price or quantity
• misrepresenting goods as new when they are not
• misrepresentation about the quality of goods or services
• misrepresenting work performed that was not
• unfair claims settlement practices by insurance companies
• unscrupulous debt collection practices
• false statements regarding the need for repair or parts
• promotion of a pyramid scheme

At the Law Office of Russell S. Rice, our clients come first.