Civil Litigation & Disputes: Dishonesty & Misrepresentation

The Civil Litigation & Disputes practice area focuses on resolving disagreements between people or businesses. One important part of this area is Dishonesty & Misrepresentation. This means dealing with situations where someone has been dishonest or has given false information that has caused harm to another person.

What is Dishonesty?

Dishonesty occurs when someone lies or hides the truth. For example, if a person sells a car and says it has never been in an accident, but it has, that could be considered dishonest. If the buyer later finds out the truth, they may want to take legal action to recover their losses.

What is Misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation is when someone makes a false statement that leads another person to make a decision. For instance, if a landlord advertises a rental property as having a swimming pool, but it doesn’t, the tenant may feel misled. They could seek compensation for any costs or inconvenience caused by this false information.

How Does This Work in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the law protects people from dishonesty and misrepresentation. If you believe you have been a victim, you can seek help from a lawyer who specialises in civil litigation. They can guide you through the process of making a claim in court or negotiating a settlement.

Examples of Cases

• Business Deals: A company promises a product will perform in a certain way, but it fails to do so. The buyer may claim misrepresentation.
• Property Sales: A seller hides serious issues with a house, like structural damage. The buyer can take legal action for dishonesty.

In summary, the Dishonesty & Misrepresentation specialisation within Civil Litigation & Disputes helps people in New Zealand address issues where they have been misled or deceived. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.