At JGL Law, we serve Washington, D.C., and the suburban Maryland area with vigorous advocacy for our clients. Our attorneys specialize in consumer law and handle all types of unusual, challenging, and complex civil cases. Consumer law protects consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and deception when they purchase a product or service. We understand how overwhelming legal matters can be, and we use our longstanding expertise to navigate consumer protection, real estate fraud, construction fraud, and more. With significant civil litigation practices in state and federal courts, JGL's attorneys frequently yield impressive results for the businesses and individuals they represent. In addition, we take on cases that other firms were unable or unwilling to take. So, when you need skilled consumer law attorneys, you can rely on the legal counsel at JGL. Below, we break down the different areas of expertise in our practice. 

Listen to Drew LaFramboise discuss Consumer Protection Litigation here

Consumer Protection

Consumer protection law applies broadly to everything from houses to cars to debt collection, and includes several protections against fraud, deceit, and unfair trade practices. It protects individuals from businesses engaging in unfair practices. 

In Maryland, the law states that a person may not engage “in any unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice" including:

• The sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of any consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services
• The offer for sale, lease, rental, loan, or bailment of consumer goods, consumer realty, or consumer services
• The offer for sale of course credit or other educational services
• The extension of consumer credit
• The collection of consumer debts

In Washington DC, the DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA) is designed to stop unlawful trade practices and recover restitution and damages for consumers. 

The CPPA provides for a private right of action: a consumer who is harmed by an unlawful trade practice may sue for treble (triple) damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees, as well as an injunction against the illegal trade practice. 

Real Estate Fraud 

We represent home buyers in actions who have been overcharged, misrepresented, and defrauded in the purchase of real estate or home loans.  Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), lenders and title companies are prohibited by law from engaging in unfair and abusive processes during the real estate settlement/closing process.  We represent consumers throughout the state of Maryland who have fallen victim to these unfair and illegal practices by lenders.

Construction Fraud 

Our attorneys specialize in construction fraud lawsuits, and we represent homeowners and businesses who have suffered damage due to misrepresentations by builders and sellers. This type of fraud deals with contractors and sellers of commercial and residential properties and can include misrepresentations about the quality of construction, licensure, permitting, and more. 

Class Action Litigation

We provide legal counsel for class action litigation. This type of lawsuit is a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of a group of people or business entities who have suffered the same or similar injuries due to the defendants' conduct. At least one individual or entity must act as a representative of that group. In terms of consumer law, class actions hold accountable business entities who engage in fraudulent business practices that scam or harm a large number of consumers. 

Data Breach Litigation 

Data breach lawsuits can range from large class actions to those filed by an individual. They are also filed by financial institutions, credit card companies, and other companies affected by a data breach. The skilled attorneys at JGL are significantly involved in the Marriott Data Breach Litigation, where we are national liaison counsel and serve on the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee.  In this role, JGL represents the interests of consumers throughout the country who have suffered damages due to Marriott’s data breach.   You can read more about the Marriott Data Breach Litigation here.  

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Backed by over 50 years of experience serving many clients, we deliver strategic solutions to all of our clients and are committed to continued excellence. We are passionate about helping those who have been victims of bad business practices or fraud and provide zealous advocacy to get our client's optimal results. When you need legal counsel regarding consumer law, you can rely on the experts at JGL. Contact us today for a consultation to see how we can assist you!