Advocate for Consumer Rights

Heins Mills has represented consumers injured by violations of a wide variety of deceptive trade practices and consumer protection laws. The firm has brought claims on behalf of all types of consumers, including purchasers of prescription drugs, long distance telephone service, air compressors, smoke detectors, and hearing aids.

We are one of three co-lead counsel in In re Universal Service Fund Telephone Billing Practices Litigation (MDL No. 1468, D. Kan.), representing business and residential customers nationwide alleging a conspiracy to fix USF surcharges and breach of contract claims against long-distance telephone companies. The November 2008 trial resulted in a verdict for the class, now on appeal.

Since 2004, Heins Mills has represented a class of consumers in In re Lawnmower Engines Horsepower Marketing & Sales Practices Litigation (MDL No. 1999, E.D.Wis.) alleging consumer fraud, civil conspiracy and unjust enrichment claims against manufacturers of lawn mowers and lawn mower engines. Heins Mills's leadership has resulted in nationwide settlements with two Defendants.

We are co-lead counsel in In re Aftermarket Filters Antitrust Litigation (MDL No. 1957, N.D.Ill.) alleging antitrust, consumer protection and unfair competition claims against leading manufacturers of replacement vehicle filters on behalf of consumer purchasers from multiple states.

In the District of Minnesota and the Northern District of Illinois, we represent consumer classes alleging fraud claims against the maker of "Scent-Lok" hunting gear and retailers.

We are lead counsel in several statewide and national class actions brought on behalf of landowners against telecommunications companies that have laid fiber-optic cable in railroad rights of way without compensating the owners of the adjacent or underlying land.