Consumer Rights Under The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act

Consumers have rights in Missouri. Donner Applewhite, is a consumer law firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, that helps consumers assert their rights against dishonest businesses using the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA). Clients who have lost money due to fraud rely on our attorneys for tenacious and aggressive representation.

MMPA’s Purpose In Consumer Law

State lawmakers passed MMPA in order to give consumers a greater ability to get their money back from unscrupulous businesses. The law covers a wide range of industries and prohibits the use of fraud, false promises, misrepresentation and omission of material fact when selling or advertising any merchandise “in trade or commerce.” This is interpreted to include virtually every good and service.

Proving An MMPA Claim

To establish a claim under MMPA, a consumer must prove four things:

• The claim involves the purchase, advertising or solicitation of merchandise
• The merchandise was for personal, family or household use
• The consumer suffered an ascertainable financial or property loss
• The loss was the result of an unlawful act committed by the business before, during or after the sale or advertisement

Donner Applewhite almost always represents clients on a contingency fee basis in MMPA claims, including individual lawsuits and complex class action litigation. This means that there is no upfront cost as the attorneys’ fees are paid by the defendants in a verdict or settlement. This reduces the risk to plaintiffs and makes it easier to pursue a rightful claim.

Speak To A Lawyer About Consumer Rights In Missouri

To learn more about whether MMPA applies to a particular case of consumer fraud, please contact Donner Applewhite at 314-678-1176, or message the firm to schedule a consultation. The firm serves clients throughout St. Louis County and speaks both English and Russian.