The area of Consumer Law is a very wide area, and Zachary B. Simonoff is dedicated to protecting consumers from unfair business practices.
If you feel you have been wronged by a company, the Simonoff Law Firm is dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected. We handle your claims in an effort to keep companies honest and to make sure you receive fair treatment under the law.
Zachary B. Simonoff represents people in consumer law in the following areas:
Lemon Law (New Vehicles Only)
Ohio’s Lemon Law applies only to the purchase of new vehicles. If your new car has a substantial defect that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund of the purchase price. The defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and the manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to repair it. Ohio’s Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles — but if you purchased a used vehicle that was misrepresented, other consumer protection laws may apply to your situation.
Auto Purchase and Repairs
If you purchased a vehicle and the dealer failed to disclose known defects, rolled back the odometer, or misrepresented the vehicle’s history, you have rights under Ohio law. Similarly, if you paid for auto repairs that were not performed, were performed improperly, or were not authorized, you may have a claim.
Repossessions
Creditors must follow specific rules when repossessing a vehicle. A repossession cannot involve a breach of the peace, and proper notice must be given both before and after the vehicle is sold. These rules are not optional — if the lender fails to follow the required procedures, it may lose the right to collect a deficiency judgment against you. A deficiency judgment is the amount the lender claims you still owe after the repossessed vehicle is sold. Ohio law requires that the sale be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner, and the lender must provide proper notice of the sale and a proper accounting of the proceeds. If the lender did not follow these steps, you may have a defense to the deficiency or a counterclaim. If your vehicle has been repossessed or you are being sued for a deficiency balance, you should consult with an attorney promptly.
Credit Card Collections
Being harassed by credit card collection agencies is stressful and sometimes the tactics used by debt collectors cross the line from aggressive into illegal. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides protections against abusive, deceptive, and unfair collection practices. If a debt collector is calling at unreasonable hours, threatening you, misrepresenting amounts owed, or contacting you after you have requested they stop, you may have a claim.
Shoddy Home Repairs
If you hired a contractor and the work was not completed, was done poorly, or the contractor took your money and disappeared, you have options. Ohio law provides protections for homeowners who have been victimized by unscrupulous contractors.
Removal of Mechanics Liens
A mechanic’s lien is a claim placed on your property by a contractor or supplier who claims they are owed money for work or materials. Sometimes these liens are improperly filed or are for amounts that are not actually owed. We can help you challenge and remove improper mechanics liens from your property.
If you believe you have been wronged as a consumer, call Zachary B. Simonoff at 440.253.9459 to discuss your situation.