With Help From California Lemon Law Attorneys Consumers Can Get Satisfaction

By Robert Burns


Few things are as frustrating as buying a coveted item after saving and scraping for some time, only to be bitterly disappointed because the device, vehicle or luxury item does not perform as expected. In some cases the device may even prove to be dangerous. Most people in such a situation will approach the dealer or manufacturer but unfortunately complaints are not always handled properly. Thankfully, with California lemon law attorneys Los Angeles residents can get satisfaction.

Consumers often assume that suppliers and manufacturers will immediately give them satisfaction when they complain because the product that they bought is covered by a warranty. Sadly, this is not the case. There are actually two types of warranty. Express warranties are provided by the manufacturer and normally form part of the sales documentation. These warranties are very basic and often list a host of exclusions.

Then there are implied warranties which are often not supplied in writing. This warranty assures the buyer that the quality of the product will meet certain criteria, that it will perform as indicated and that it is safe to use. Kn terms of implied warranties, the dealer promises to replace or repair faulty products or, in certain circumstances, to refund the buyer.

In 1975, with the promulgation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act consumers were given legal protection for the first time. This act is a federal act but it only covers vehicles and some electronic and electrical goods. Many states have passed additional acts that provide a wider scope of protection to consumers and that cover a much wider variety of consumer goods.

Consumers cannot take legal action before they have made serious efforts to settle their complaints with the dealer or the manufacturer concerned. It is important to put complaints in writing and to keep meticulous record of all meetings and calls that relate to the complaint. Complainants should note dates, names and the gist of every communication because these records will be important if the matter leads to legal action.

When complainants reach the end of their tethers they can approach a lawyer, preferably a professional that specialize in this type of case. Reputable lawyers will first assess the case because sometimes it is simply not worth it to pay for legal action when the desired outcome is too small to justify the costs. In many cases this assessment is free of charge and can even be conducted on line or via email.

If the lawyer takes on the case, he needs to be armed with all the documents related to the purchase of the product and detailed records regarding the efforts the consumer has made to resolve the complaint. He will then contact the supplier. In the majority of cases suppliers agree to settle the matter out of court. They do not want the bad publicity or pay the cost of an expensive court case.

Consumers have long been struggling to get manufacturers, suppliers and dealers to take responsibility for the products that they sell. It is unfair to expect consumers to accept shoddy workmanship, products that do not perform as advertised or even products that prove to be dangerous. If legal action seems to be the only route to satisfaction, then such a route should be taken.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment