Investing in the stock market can be risky; unfortunately, some individuals and companies engage in fraudulent activities to deceive and exploit investors. As Minnesota stock and broker fraud lawyers, we understand that being taken advantage of in this way can result in significant financial losses and have a devastating impact on your future.
If you suspect stock or broker fraud in Minnesota, seeking legal assistance from a qualified lawyer with experience in this area is vital. A Minnesota fraud lawyer from Madia Law could help you navigate the legal complexities, protect your rights, and pursue the money you lost.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Stock and Broker Fraud
Stock and broker fraud entails a scheme or maneuver to defraud another individual in connection with securities sales. Investment experts, including brokers and financial advisors, can engage in this kind of fraud (also termed securities or investment fraud) by interacting with their clients in a manner that contravenes specific laws, regulations, or industry codes.
Instances of securities fraud can include:
- Churning: Brokers excessively trade in your account to earn commissions.
- Breach of fiduciary duty: Financial advisors are responsible for prioritizing your interests over their own. Even if they are not legally considered fiduciaries, laws often require them to act in your best interest. Examples of breaches include not assessing investment suitability, failing to conduct due diligence, charging unfair prices, and not providing adequate disclosures.
- Failure to supervise: Brokerage firms are accountable for their brokers’ actions. They should properly train brokers, confirm investment suitability, and ensure accurate information is given to clients. Failures in any of these areas may lead to firm liability.
- Fraud and misrepresentation: Some brokers deceive clients, leading to financial losses through false information.
- Unsuitability: Financial advisors must recommend investments that suit your income, age, goals, and life stage. Suggesting unsuitable investments for your situation, like concentrating assets in speculative stocks for retirees, can result in damages.
- Overconcentration and failure to diversify: Brokers who neglect diversification within and across asset classes may be responsible for the resulting losses.
For a legal consultation with a stock and broker fraud lawyer serving Minnesota, call 612-349-2729
Achieving Recovery as an Investor
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) addresses most investor claims against brokers and businesses through mandatory arbitration. Arbitration offers a quicker resolution than traditional civil litigation, with limited options for appeals. However, it also means that a panel of arbitrators will make the final decision in your case rather than a jury.
Preliminary Steps
When you hire one of our Minnesota stock and bond fraud attorneys, we will file a Statement of Claim with FINRA, outlining the facts and seeking relief.
We and the opposing side will each rank a list of potential arbitrators provided by FINRA. Once the panel is established, we’ll schedule discovery and the hearing. Both sides will exchange documents, and motions practice might occur, followed by the actual arbitration hearing in front of the panel.
Arbitration Hearing
The arbitration hearing serves as the trial, and our exceptional trial skills translate seamlessly to arbitration proceedings. Our preparation from the outset informs our closing argument, which guides our Statement of Claim and discovery process.
We take pride in our determination to see matters through to the final hearing, ensuring brokers and firms uphold their responsibilities to their clients.
Settlement
At times, brokers may opt to settle when they realize our strong position in arbitration. For instance, we secured nearly $100,000 for an investor whose broker had excessively concentrated their portfolio in gold, settling just a month before the final arbitration hearing.
Minnesota Stock and Broker Fraud Lawyer Near Me 612-349-2729
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
Now that you understand what constitutes fraud and what the arbitration process entails, you may wonder what sets Madia Law apart from other law firms.
Here are a few of our distinctive characteristics:
Our Flexible Billing Approach
We believe in adaptable fee agreements that link success to fees, including contingency fee arrangements. We aim to align our interests with yours, so we’re open to crafting fee agreements that reflect our commitment to your success.
We can discuss your payment options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our Trial Experience
We’re not just Minnesota stock and bond fraud lawyers; we’re trial lawyers who are ready to take your case to court and face a panel of arbitrators or a jury. We prepare each case for a trial (or arbitration hearing) right from the beginning, focusing on delivering the best outcome for you.
Many attorneys claim to be trial lawyers but lack actual jury trial experience. In areas like investment fraud, courtroom experience is crucial. You need a lawyer who’s skilled in the art of trial advocacy and is eager to present your case to a jury or arbitration panel. With us, you’re assured of having a seasoned trial lawyer in your corner.
We have an impressive track record, handling hundreds of cases and participating in numerous hearings and jury trials. In fact, other lawyers often hire us to represent their cases at trial.
Our Focused Caseload
Our law firm operates in a unique way. Unlike many plaintiff-side firms that prioritize volume, we carefully select our cases, taking on a limited number at a time. Our strategy involves rigorous litigation efforts, spanning several months or even years, to build a robust case.
We invest in extensive depositions, thorough discovery, and meticulous case preparation to counter any attempts by the opposing side to dismiss the case. This approach significantly enhances the potential settlement value, sometimes multiplying it by hundreds or thousands of percent.
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Contact Our Minnesota Stock and Broker Fraud Law Firm
Ready to fight back against stock and broker fraud? Don’t let financial misconduct go unchecked. Our experienced team at Madia Law is here to advocate for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’ve been a victim of churning, breach of fiduciary duty, unsuitability, or any other form of investment fraud, our stock and broker fraud lawyers in Minnesota can guide you toward justice. Your financial well-being matters, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
