What is the maximum amount a consumer can receive from a Deceptive Trade Practices Act award?

Under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), the maximum amount a consumer can receive includes actual damages, along with court costs and attorney fees. This means that when a consumer successfully proves a deceptive trade practice, they are entitled to compensation that reflects the actual harm suffered as a result of the deceptive actions.

Furthermore, the law provides for the recovery of legal expenses, which encourages consumers to hold deceptive businesses accountable, as it reduces the financial burden of litigation. While treble damages can be pursued in certain circumstances (particularly if the violation was found to be knowing or intentional), the base structure of an award under DTPA involves actual damages plus the additional court and legal costs, thus making this a comprehensive form of compensation for the consumer’s loss.

Treble damages are not automatically awarded; they must be justified based on the specifics of the case. Additionally, the DTPA does provide some clarity in terms of what constitutes actual damages and other recoverable costs, preventing the notion of an unspecified maximum amount. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the consumer's right to secure both actual damages and related expenses through the DTPA framework.