Thursday, 29 September 2016

When Hiring Lemon Law Attorneys Los Angeles Consumers Can Expect Quick Results

By Sarah Carter


There is probably not a single consumer left who has not, at one time or another, bought a dud product. Either the product performs poorly or it does not have the features advertised by the dealer. In other cases the product does not work at all or it breaks soon after purchase. Unfortunately, dealing with the dealer in order to rectify the matter is often a nightmare. Luckily, by hiring the services of lemon law attorneys Los Angeles consumers can resolve such matters.

For many years consumers simply had to put up with shoddy products and dodgy dealers that refuse to deal with client complaints. Consumers think that they are protected by the warranty supplied with the product they bought. There are, in fact, two types of warranty. Express warranties are underwritten by the manufacturer but they often contain so many ifs and buts that they are not worth the paper they are printed on.

There are also implied warranties issued by the dealer. They are almost never in writing but the dealer promises to replace or to repair the product if it is faulty or if it does not perform as promised. In some cases the consumers is even promised his money back. Sadly, as many consumers know from personal experience, it is often very difficult to get the dealer to honour his promises.

Consumers in the United States first got official protection in 1975 when the Magnus Moss Warranty Act was passed. This act was a landmark in the fight for consumer rights but it only dealt with the purchase of vehicles and some types of appliances. Many states have also passed additional laws that cover a wider spectrum of products and that make provision for imposing heavy fines on errant manufacturers.

Consumers have responsibilities too. They cannot expect a dealer to replace a product that was used for the wrong purpose or in an incorrect manner, for example. Some products, such as air conditioning units need to be installed by a qualified technician. If it does not work properly because the consumer followed a DIY approach then the dealer is justified in refusing to address the matter.

There is another thing. Consumers may not approach the courts before they have taken reasonable steps to resolve their complaints. They have to contact dealers and manufacturers before they can approach a lawyer. That is why lawyers advise their clients to communicate with manufacturers in writing and to keep detailed note of all communications, including telephone conversations, SMS messages and emails. These records will be important if matters go further.

If the matter cannot be resolved, a lawyer can be appointed to handle the issue. The lawyer will first make sure that the consumer has a valid case. Thereafter he will contact the dealer and the manufacturer and inform them that the matter will proceed to court if a settlement cannot be reached. In most cases manufacturers are willing to settle rather than to face the possibility of heavy fines and embarrassment in open court.

Consumers work hard for their money. When they buy a product it is only reasonable to expect the product to perform as advertised and to last for a reasonable time. Unhappy consumers should not simply accept matters. They should fight for their rights and, if necessary, get a lawyer behind them.




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