The Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act allows patients to recover what?

The Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) is designed to protect consumers from false, misleading, or deceptive business practices. Under this legislation, patients who have been subjected to deceptive trade practices have the right to seek compensation for various damages incurred as a result of these practices.

The correct answer highlights that patients can recover attorney fees and court costs. This provision is significant because it lowers the barrier for patients to seek legal recourse; it ensures that those who have been wronged can pursue a claim without the fear of exorbitant legal fees. The law allows for the recovery of reasonable attorney fees regardless of whether the consumer is awarded damages, which encourages individuals to come forward with legitimate claims.

Other types of damages, such as lost wages or medical costs, may not be directly recoverable under the DTPA unless they are specifically related to the deceptive practices experienced. Punitive damages are typically not the primary focus of this act; instead, the emphasis is on compensatory damages and attorney fees to remedy the consumer's situation. By emphasizing the recovery of attorney fees and court costs, the DTPA establishes a more equitable system for consumers seeking justice against deceptive trade practices.