How Arbitration Clauses Affect Consumer Rights

Recently, there has been growing attention on arbitration clauses and how they impact consumer rights, especially in cases involving serious harm. The recent case covered by CNN involving Disney Plus and a wrongful death lawsuit has sparked conversations about what consumers may unknowingly agree to when signing up for services or purchasing products. According to an Orlando, FL product liability lawyer, arbitration clauses often limit the ability to take legal action, including product liability cases, which may leave consumers without the full protections they expect.

Why Consumers Need To Know Their Rights

Many people do not fully understand what they are agreeing to when they accept terms of service or sign contracts. The recent Disney Plus case is a perfect example of how important it is to be aware of arbitration clauses. These clauses are becoming more common in everything from streaming services to physical products. In the context of product liability, this means that consumers may be agreeing to give up their right to file a lawsuit before they’ve even experienced any harm.

We believe consumers must be informed of the potential consequences of arbitration clauses. These agreements often include language that is difficult for the average person to interpret, and by agreeing to them, people may unknowingly limit their legal options.

The Power Of Arbitration In Product Liability

Arbitration clauses are often tucked into the fine print of user agreements for many products and services. These clauses require consumers to waive their right to go to court, agreeing instead to settle disputes through private arbitration. This can limit accountability, especially when products cause injury or death. Arbitration tends to favor the companies that create these agreements, making it harder for consumers to receive fair compensation. In cases where a product defect leads to harm, the presence of an arbitration clause could make the path to justice far more complicated for victims and their families.

As Orlando product liability attorneys, we see how these clauses can act as a shield for manufacturers, allowing them to avoid the public scrutiny of a trial. Without the transparency of a court case, dangerous products can continue to pose risks to consumers.

Fighting For Consumer Protection

It’s important for us as attorneys to evaluate the details of any arbitration agreement to determine if there are ways to challenge its enforceability. Courts have occasionally ruled that certain arbitration clauses are unfair or overly broad, which can open the door to traditional legal action. We work to identify those opportunities and fight for the rights of consumers who have been harmed.

The issue of arbitration clauses highlights a larger concern about consumer protection. These clauses have the potential to undermine the accountability that comes from our legal system, which is why it’s so important to stay vigilant. With over twenty years of legal experience, our goal at David & Philpot, PL is to advocate for consumers who have been harmed by unsafe products, whether that means challenging an arbitration clause or taking a case to trial.

In cases involving defective products, it’s crucial to know that arbitration clauses might limit your legal options. However, our Orlando product liability lawyers are here to support you in exploring all avenues of justice. Whether you are facing an arbitration clause or not, our mission is to help you hold companies responsible for the harm their products cause. If you have questions about your rights or how to move forward, our team at David & Philpot, PL is ready to assist you.