When you lose money due to the fraudulent or negligent actions of a financial advisor or an investment company, there are legal processes available through the financial industry regulators to pursue the recovery of your damages.
To get the outcome you deserve, you’ll want to work with an experienced investment fraud lawyer serving Florida who knows how to properly prepare your case and give you the best chance to win. At Meyer Wilson, we have over 75 years of combined experience and have won over $350 million for our clients. We’re confident that we have what it takes to file a winning complaint against an investment company in Florida.
How an Attorney Can File a Complaint Against an Investment Company in Florida
When you work with an attorney serving Florida to file a complaint against an investment company, you typically won’t go through the same process that you would when filing a civil lawsuit. Instead, your lawyer will file a complaint with the securities regulator, known as FINRA, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or through another arbitration forum.
The FINRA complaint process involves a number of different steps that all lead up to an arbitration hearing. During arbitration, arbitrators will hear both sides of the dispute and determine whether you should receive a financial award.
Arbitration is a challenging process to undergo, and when an outcome is reached, it is often final and legally binding. Therefore, you’ll want to work with a skilled attorney who you trust to make the best decision for your case. An experienced lawyer can represent you through the following stages of arbitration:
Filing the Initial Complaint
When you meet with an attorney, they’ll ask you about the losses you’ve suffered due to potential fraudulent investment practices and review any documents and evidence you have to back up your dispute. Then, they’ll use the financial records you provide to start calculating the full extent of your losses and determine which remedies you’re owed.
Once your attorney has all the required information, they’ll use it to file a complaint against the Florida investment company.
Reviewing the Respondent’s Answer
Once your attorney has filed the initial complaint, the offending investment company, or respondent, will have the chance to submit an answer to the complaint. The answer will include information on their defense. Your lawyer can review this document and gather information that may be used to strengthen your case.
Arbitrator Selection
A panel of arbitrators from diverse backgrounds will ultimately decide the outcome of your case. During the arbitrator selection stage, both parties involved in the dispute will receive a list of potential arbitrators to consider and rank. Your attorney will work hard to ensure the selection process goes smoothly.
Prehearing Conferences
Before the official hearing takes place, there will likely be a conference held to hash out preliminary conflicts and decide when your arbitration hearing will occur. Your lawyer will represent you during this process and answer any questions or concerns you have before your official hearing.
Discovery
During the discovery phase, both parties will share information and evidence so everyone can prepare for the final stages of arbitration. Your attorney will submit relevant evidence and review information from the other side to fine-tune their arguments as to how you deserve a fair award.
Arbitration Hearings
During the arbitration hearing, your lawyer and the Florida investment company that you filed a complaint against will present arguments to the arbitrators. Your attorney will refer to hard evidence and facts, as well other expert witness testimony, making a compelling case for your compensation and ensuring your side of the story is told as accurately as possible.
Deliberation
Once both sides have presented evidence and arguments, the chosen arbitrators will hold a discussion to determine the outcome of your case. Ultimately, they’ll decide whether you should receive a financial award and how much compensation you should receive.
We Have Recovered Over
$350 Million for Our Clients Nationwide.
Remedies You May Receive from a FINRA Arbitration Award
When you file a complaint against a Florida investment company, your goal is to obtain remedies for the losses you’ve taken on. Depending on how investment fraud has impacted you and your finances, you could receive a number of different remedies, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Earnings you would have made if your money was invested properly
- Illegally obtained profits
- Trading losses
- Dividends
- Interest
- Punitive damages, if applicable
Hire a Dedicated Team With a Track Record of Success
If you’ve lost a considerable chunk of your savings to investment fraud, you’ll want to make sure your case is in experienced hands. At Meyer Wilson, we’ve obtained positive case results for thousands of clients across the country. We have the legal knowledge and resources required to get the results you’re looking for.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an investment fraud lawyer serving Florida and learn more about your options moving forward. We’ll meet with you to discuss your current situation and answer any questions you have about filing a complaint or the arbitration process. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Recovering Losses Caused by Investment Misconduct.