Fraud is a word used in many ways. In the legal profession, fraud means any deliberate lie or deception that gets used to carry out a goal of enriching oneself. Typically, the people who get deceived by fraud lose money or other assets, while the person who commits the fraud makes a profit.
Fraud can apply to various types of legal cases, including personal injury cases. For example, if fraud was involved in an accident that caused you injury, you can sue for both compensatory and punitive damages should your case qualify for it. Not only is fraud handle through criminal court, but you can also get justice through civil court.
Examples of Fraud Under the Law
Fraud can take many forms. Some examples of fraud include:
- Identity theft
- Stealing credit card numbers and using them without permission
- Email and phone scams that trick you into giving up passwords, bank accounts, or other sensitive information
Fraud sometimes also figures into faulty medical device cases and product liability cases.
Fraud is illegal and can be penalized through criminal courts and in civil courts. The difference is that criminal courts seek to punish the fraud while civil courts seek to get you your money back. Civil courts also have a lower standard of proof, making it easier for you to win your case.
What Counts as Fraud in Georgia?
Any case of fraud must involve four main factors:
- The person misrepresented the truth
- They knew that the information was inaccurate at the time they presented it
- They did this with the intention that you would trust the information provided
- You ended up suffering some kind of loss as a result of believing the misinformation
Depending on the type of fraud you suffered, the toughest part may simply be identifying who committed the fraud, such as an online scammer. But if the person was apprehended, you have a right to recover all of your losses.
What Should I Do If An Accident Resulted From Fraud?
The first thing you should do after an accident is to get medical treatment. Then, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. While fraud cases are easier to prove in civil court, that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a settlement.
You still have to fight for your case during settlement negotiation or in court. If you delay building a strong case for your claim, the chances of recovering financial compensation are very slim.
Have you been injured? John Foy & Associates has some of the most experienced and respected personal injury lawyers in Georgia ready to help you win a settlement. Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 to get your FREE consultation today.
