Lemon Laws For Consumer Products

Many consumers turn to lawyers for help when they have a product that continuously fails.

You Should Be Protected From Defective Products

Whether it's a new puppy who winds up at the vet immediately after you buy it or a motorized scooter that can't hold a battery charge, you should be protected by state lemon laws for consumers.

Sometimes the law entitles you to a refund or replacement, but doesn't penalize the manufacturer or seller much past that. Hopefully, if enough consumers make their claims, unscrupulous businesses will close up shop and the market will be fair once again.

You Get 10 Days On Your Puppy In Some States

In states like Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, there are lemon laws for buying puppies. For instance, in Arkansas, if you have purchased a puppy from a retail pet store or breeder, you have ten days to report that your dog has an infectious disease, congenital defect or hereditary defect.

To file your claim, you must have registration papers and you may receive reimbursement of veterinary expenses up to the purchase price of the dog if your case is successful. Not all state laws are the same, however.

In Pennsylvania, home to numerous puppy mills, pet owners can receive up to 50% of the cost of their dog back if the seller cannot reproduce the registration papers; owners may also get 100% of their money back or a replacement animal if their case wins.

For more information on other state animal lemon laws, visit www.consumeraffairs.com.

 For Computer Appliances use A Reputable Dealer

Consumers can also protect themselves with lemon laws for computers and appliances. There are, however, certain guidelines consumers must follow to protect themselves. For instance, you should not buy appliances from obscure outlets. It's always best to go through an established retailer, which offers better warranties.

If you buy an appliance at a discount "as is," the lemon law won't help you. Often times, you can get attorney advice and have all lawyer fees paid for by the manufacturer when your case is won. You'll then also be awarded a replacement item or a refund if your product is, in fact, a "lemon."

There are even lemon laws for costly disability products like motorized scooters and wheelchairs. California, Wisconsin and Florida all have laws for assistive devices, with specific language including these items. Some states only cover new purchases that come with a written warranty and are less than a year old.

To determine whether a device is a "lemon" or not, you should answer the following questions.

Does the defect substantially impair my use of this device?

Is the defect naturally occurring (and not the result of abuse)?

Is the device still within its normal life expectancy? Has my device required service for 30 days or more?

If you answered "yes," then the state lemon law may be able to help you! Ideally, you would have kept detailed documents of repairs and receipts.