Can I Sue for False Advertising and Hidden Fees?

Young woman looking in box frustrated by false adverrtising

Consumers rely on advertising to make purchasing decisions, which is why it’s important that a corporation’s products and services are marketed accurately. However, some corporations choose to distort their advertisements to manipulate consumers into buying their products or services. Not only does this waste the buyer’s money, but it can also lead to injuries and other serious problems.

Consumers also rely on corporations to advertise the true cost for goods and services. Unfortunately, some corporations use hidden fees to increase their profits by charging buyers more than the advertised price.

Thankfully, there are laws in place that can help protect consumers from false advertising and hidden fees. If you are the victim of deceptive marketing, you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages. However, in order to do so, you’ll need to know what these laws cover and how they work.

What Qualifies as False Advertising?

Today, it’s very common for corporations to carefully curate their marketing campaigns with the goal of maximizing sales, which is why it can be so tricky to determine whether something qualifies as false advertising. To help you out, here are a few examples of what false advertising can look like:

  • Inaccurate visual representation
  • Dishonest key terms or wording
  • Deceptive warranties or guarantees
  • Inaccurate pricing information

What Are the Legal Consequences of False Advertising?

Corporations who engage in false advertising could face a variety of legal consequences. Consumers can sue or build a class-action lawsuit to recover lost money and any damages incurred as a direct result of the deception. Additionally, the company could face civil penalties with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which may result in large fees. And, if the false advertising constitutes fraud, the corporation could also face serious criminal penalties.

Since false advertising laws can differ from state to state, it’s best to work with an experienced consumer litigation attorney if you suspect you are the victim of deceptive marketing. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate these laws to build a case and recover any compensation to which you are entitled.

How Do False Advertising Lawsuits Work?

False advertising lawsuits can help victims recover any money they’ve lost or damages they’ve incurred as a direct result of the deceptive marketing. In order to build a case, however, you may need to prove various things:

  • The product was misrepresented.
  • The consumer relied on the misleading information when making the purchase.
  • The consumer lost money or property due to a hidden fee or false advertisement.

Your Local Consumer Law Attorneys

If you believe you have fallen victim to false advertising or hidden fees, you can count on the experienced consumer law attorneys at OlsenDaines to help you build a claim. We have proudly served Oregon and Washington since 1978, so we are very familiar with the ins and outs of local consumer laws. Our team is also committed to providing you with candid, transparent, and affordable legal assistance. Just give us a call to schedule your free legal consultation.

What to Do if a Car Hits You While Walking

Person injured in pedestrian accident - OlsenDaines personal injury attorneys in Oregon

Getting hit by a car while you’re walking is a scary experience, especially if you sustain injuries. However, pedestrian accidents are common – it’s even estimated that a car hits a pedestrian once every 7 minutes in the United States alone. Knowing what steps to take after an accident can help you recover quickly while preparing to make a claim. Here’s what to do if a car hits you while walking:

Remain Calm and Evaluate Injuries

Your safety is the first priority after an accident. Try to maintain a calm composure while assessing injuries. If you or anyone else has been seriously hurt, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

File a Report With Law Enforcement

Once everybody involved in the accident is safe, it’s time to call law enforcement to file a report. Police reports play a big role in determining liability, so it’s important that you don’t skip this step and that you provide as much information as possible.

Collect Information on the Driver

To file a claim, you will need the driver’s information. Request their name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. If they are not being cooperative with you, don’t worry; law enforcement will also be able to collect this information. Should the driver attempt to flee the scene, at least try to catch the license plate number. Without the license number, it will be very challenging to track the driver down later on.

Collect Witness Contact Information

Even if law enforcement has not arrived yet, request contact information from any third-party witnesses who saw the accident. Doing so will ensure you have their information even if they decide to leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive.

Always Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adrenaline from the accident can make it impossible to accurately assess your own injuries. Visiting a doctor not only ensures you are receiving proper and thorough treatment, but it also creates a written medical record of any injuries. During your visit, describe the events in detail and try to get comprehensive diagnostic tests.

Do Not Give Any Insurance Company a Statement

Prior to giving a statement to any insurance company – even your own – it’s critical to seek help from an experienced attorney. Any questions you answer or statements you provide can be used against you later on, so it’s important to work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can provide guidance.

Seek Help From an Attorney

A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and recover any compensation to which you are entitled. Damages can cover expenses like medical bills, missed work, and more. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in the state of Oregon, you can count on the experienced lawyers at OlsenDaines to make your claim as simple and effective as possible. Just give us a call to schedule your free legal consultation.

Track All Expenses

Throughout the claims process, you will want to keep track of any injuries, treatments, and medical bills. Consider creating a folder where you can store all of your medical receipts and records, such as:

  • Time missed from work for recovery or medical treatment
  • Specific dates and times of medical appointments
  • Any receipts for co-pays or prescriptions
  • Pain and symptoms related to the accident

Follow Through on All Medical Appointments and Treatments

It’s crucial that you attend all medical appointments and follow through on each treatment plan. Failing to do so will not only impede recovery; missing appointments could also prompt an insurance company to argue that you are not actually injured, or that you are needlessly extending your injuries by not complying with medical recommendations. To ensure your fast recovery and a speedy claims process, be sure to attend all appointments and complete all recommended treatments.

How do I know if I have a consumer litigation case?

Do I have a consumer litigation case

Consumer protection laws exist to ensure that businesses are held accountable for deceptive practices and fraud. For example, “bait and switch” tactics, warranty misrepresentation, and identity theft. Consumer rights law also protects individuals who are harassed and threatened with collection calls. If you’ve been taken advantage of, exploited, misled, deceived by a product, corporation, or service provider, you may have a consumer litigation case. Keep reading to learn more about consumer rights and how you’re protected.

Common Types of Consumer Fraud

Breaches of consumer trust can include various scenarios and behaviors including:

  • Credit card fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Insurance fraud
  • Violations of internet privacy
  • Investor fraud
  • Mortgage foreclosure scams
  • Contractor fraud
  • Failure to honor warranties and returns

By no means is this a complete list. It also doesn’t reflect the range of consequences that can result from unfair business practices.

Who can start a consumer fraud act claim?

Consumers who believe they’ve been defrauded or purposefully deceived can file a lawsuit against the merchant responsible.

Consumer Protection Lawyer in Oregon

People who’ve been a victim of consumer fraud can lose hundreds, thousands, or even their entire life savings. If you believe you were victimized by a dishonest company but can’t quite put your finger on how they violated the law, contact OlsenDaines or call 503-222-2000 to talk with a consumer law attorney in Oregon and Washington. We handle all types of consumer fraud. We’ll explain your legal options clearly and honestly at your free consultation.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Car and bike crash. OlsenDaines, serving Oregon and Washington talks about the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Whether you were seriously injured in an auto accident or a slip and fall accident at a store, you may be entitled to damages if it was due to someone else’s negligence. However, it isn’t always easy or straightforward to get a fair settlement. This is why it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer.

Here are some main benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Peace of Mind

An experienced personal injury lawyer will dedicate themselves to represent you so you can focus on recovering. Serious injuries are not just physical. They can also cause stress and trauma. A great personal injury lawyer will give you the peace of mind you need to get made whole again.

Faster Compensation

When you hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as you’ve suffered an accident, they’ll file a personal injury claim for you while you’re still recovering so you’ll receive your compensation that much sooner than trying to do it yourself.

Legal Coverage

Quite often, the offending party will contest the personal injury claim against them, hiring a lawyer and taking you to court. If you don’t have a lawyer on your side, the odds are against you. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you will level the playing field. They’ll gather evidence and develop the right strategy for your case, pursuing it vigorously for you.

Negotiation

Insurance companies spend millions of dollars on attorneys to ensure they pay as little as possible on personal injury claims. They also have techniques to persuade people to accept unfair settlement offers, even without an attorney. They’re not after your best interest. When you hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer who’s experienced in negotiating with insurance companies, you can expect higher compensation.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you or someone you know was hurt in an accident caused by someone else, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to help recover the compensation you deserve. At OlsenDaines, we know how overwhelming and traumatic a personal injury can be. We’ll take the pain out of personal injury recovery. We offer free consultations, reasonable fees, and are committed to getting our clients the relief they need. To schedule an appointment contact us today. We have offices all throughout Washington and Oregon with personal injury lawyers ready to fight for you.