WHAT WE DO
Fraud and misrepresentation cases require more than legal expertise – they demand investigative skills, financial analysis capabilities, and the ability to present complex evidence clearly to judges and juries. These cases often involve sophisticated schemes designed to deceive, making experienced counsel essential for successful outcomes.
At The Pettit Law Firm, we understand that fraud victims need advocates who can match the sophistication of the wrongdoers. Our approach combines thorough investigation with strategic litigation to expose deceptive conduct and secure meaningful recovery for our clients.
Contact UsTypes of Fraud We Handle:
- Investment misrepresentation
- Business and commercial fraud schemes
- Real estate fraud and property misrepresentation
- Contract fraud and fraudulent inducement
- Financial statement fraud and accounting manipulation
- Consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCES
Obtained $4.2 million fraud and breach of fiduciary duty judgment against LegacyTexas Bank – Successfully prosecuted complex fraud case against major financial institution involving deceptive practices
Secured $3.6 million judgment for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against CEO of national media company – Exposed executive misconduct and secured substantial recovery including punitive damages
Experience in investment fraud litigation – Representing investors in fraud cases to help recover lost investments
Elements of Fraud Claims: Successful fraud cases require proving false representations of material fact, knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth, intent to deceive, justifiable reliance, and resulting damages. We excel at developing evidence for each element through comprehensive investigation and expert analysis.
Fraudulent Inducement: When fraud induces contract formation or business relationships, we pursue both fraud damages and contract remedies. These cases often involve complex issues of reliance, materiality, and the intersection of fraud and contract law.
Investment Fraud: Investment fraud cases involve specialized knowledge of financial markets and investment practices. We handle cases involving broker misconduct, Ponzi schemes, unsuitable investments, and violations of fiduciary duties to investors.
Business Fraud: Commercial fraud can take many forms including false financial statements, concealed liabilities, misrepresented business conditions, and fraudulent business valuations. We work with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to uncover and prove business fraud.
Real Estate Fraud: Property transactions are frequent targets for fraud including concealed defects, title fraud, mortgage fraud, and misrepresentation of property conditions or value. Our real estate litigation experience provides valuable insight in these cases.
Punitive Damages: Texas law allows punitive damages in fraud cases when conduct involves malice or gross negligence. We pursue punitive damages to attempt to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct.
Complex Financial Analysis: Fraud cases frequently require a sophisticated financial analysis to quantify losses and trace asset flows. We work with forensic accountants, financial experts, and damage specialists to develop compelling evidence of losses and recovered amounts.
Multi-Defendant Cases: Fraud schemes often involve multiple participants including primary wrongdoers, professional enablers, and corporate entities. Our experience in complex litigation allows us to effectively pursue all responsible parties and maximize recovery.
Emergency Relief: When fraud threatens ongoing harm or asset dissipation, we seek temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions, and asset freezes to protect our clients’ interests and preserve recovery opportunities.
Our comprehensive approach to fraud litigation combines legal expertise with investigative capabilities and financial analysis skills, ensuring that fraudulent conduct is exposed and our clients receive maximum compensation for their losses.
FAQs
Fraud requires proof of intentional deception or reckless disregard for truth, while negligent misrepresentation involves careless false statements without intent to deceive. Both can result in damages, but fraud may support punitive damages.
Texas generally provides four years from discovery of the fraud, but specific circumstances can affect this timeline. Because evidence can disappear quickly in fraud cases, it’s important to act promptly.
Yes, Texas law allows punitive damages in fraud cases involving malice or gross negligence. Punitive damages can significantly increase recovery and are designed to punish and deter wrongful conduct.
Fraud damages typically include out-of-pocket losses, lost profits, consequential damages, and potentially punitive damages. The goal is to restore you to the position you would have been in without the fraud.
Intent can be proven through direct evidence like admissions, or circumstantial evidence including the sophistication of the scheme, patterns of deception, and reckless disregard for truth. Experience in fraud litigation is crucial for developing this evidence.
We explore all avenues for recovery including insurance coverage, corporate liability, professional liability, and fraudulent transfer claims. We also investigate whether other parties enabled or participated in the fraud.
Yes, if the contract was induced by fraud, you may have both fraud claims and contract remedies. Fraud can void contracts or provide additional damages beyond contract remedies.
Contact Us
Want to talk about your case?
Email jpettit@pettitfirm.com
Or contact us at:
The Pettit Law Firm
1900 Pearl, Suite 1740
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.329.0151
Fax: 214.329.4076