Whenever you do something over the internet, making a purchase, signing up for an account with a website, the company usually requires you to accept their terms and conditions. These can be and usually are lengthy, full of legal language that you have no idea what it means. By clicking the “I agree” button, you are ultimately forfeiting your rights to sue the company in the event the product or service you paid for is defective, dangerous, or if misrepresented. Some consistent things mentioned in this lengthy document include:

1. Agreement to not sue the company but to be forced into arbitration individually in the event they want to seek legal action against the company;
2. The consumer assents to the arbitration in the state, which the company resides;
3. The company will not provide the compensation for any travel expenses or time off work for making the trip to arbitrate with the company

These three are most common, virtually giving the company the convenience if they provide a service or produce a product that fails to meet the expectations of the consumer. In addition to convenience, the burden these conditions impose on the consumer leave a vulnerable individual under complete control by the company. Having to provide their own transportation and travel expenses to arbitrate with a big corporation can be financially unfeasible.

Even after reading carefully, you still may not be completely aware of the potential rights you are forfeiting by selecting the “I agree” button. Depending on the purchase you are making, you may not need to worry about whether you will want to sue the company in the event something happens with your acquisition. However, if you feel as though the company has seriously failed to adhere to a generalized business behavior, you can seek legal help to determine what the best type of action is for you.

Speaking to an attorney well-versed in consumer law can provide you with a better understanding of what options you have against the company and what the best likely outcome is for your situation.  Don’t let a corporation black ball your rights with terms and conditions, contact me, attorney David Polsky, today to discuss what potential course of action is right for you and your case. Phone: (973) 686-9787.