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.