At Ferraro Law, our consumer protection attorneys have taken on major corporations when their practices unfairly harm or discriminate against individuals. Our McDonald’s discrimination lawsuit alleges that the company has systematically set Black franchisees up for failure through racial bias and unfair business practices. With decades of experience holding powerful entities accountable, our team is dedicated to pursuing justice for Black franchise owners who were denied opportunities, financial assistance, or fair treatment compared to their counterparts. If you believe you have experienced discrimination in a McDonald’s franchise, our McDonald’s litigation attorneys can help you explore legal options and protect your rights.
Understanding Commercial Litigation
Understanding McDonald’s Discrimination Cases
Despite marketing itself as a supporter of the Black community, McDonald’s has been accused of placing Black franchisees at a disadvantage. We have heard from over 50 Black former franchisees describing incidents of corporate misconduct and economic injustice claims, including:
- Less favorable, low-volume locations with higher operating costs
- Misleading projections regarding franchise profitability
- Denial of financial assistance and growth opportunities for Black franchisees
- Harsher grading of Black-owned franchises compared to White-owned franchises
The Role of Premises Liability in Florida
These allegations indicate widespread discrimination against Black entrepreneurs, potentially violating civil rights and consumer protection standards. Our racial discrimination lawsuit focuses on proving how these practices undermine success for Black-owned franchises while benefiting or favoring White owners. If you faced such unfair business practices or wrongful denial of financial assistance, you could be part of our franchisee lawsuit.
40 Years Of Fierce Representation
40 Years Of Fierce Representation
Since 1985, Ferraro Law has been a steadfast advocate for clients confronting corporate misconduct, including race-based and economic injustices. Over four decades, we have built a national reputation for taking on powerful corporations, representing marginalized communities in high-profile discrimination cases, and securing significant settlements and verdicts for deserving clients. Our firm’s unwavering commitment to fair treatment and accountability under state and federal laws has made us a trusted ally.
From our consumer protection work in Florida to nationwide civil rights litigation, Ferraro Law has developed the resources and determination needed to challenge even the largest entities, such as McDonald’s. This long-standing dedication equips us to stand confidently alongside Black franchise owners, providing fierce representation in their pursuit of equity and justice.
How We Can Help You
How We Can Help You
Personalized Assessments
We listen to your story, whether it involves harsh grading of franchises or unfair location assignments. By focusing on your unique challenges, we develop a strategy that addresses your specific needs.
Comprehensive Evidence Gathering
We analyze franchise documents, communication records, and corporate policies to uncover patterns of systemic discrimination. Our goal is to prove racial bias and hold the company accountable for wrongful actions.
Nationwide Reach & Civil Rights Advocacy
While based in Florida, our civil rights legal team has national capacity. We are prepared to bring cases wherever McDonald’s has operated franchises with alleged racial bias.
Contingency-Based Representation
You don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf. This arrangement lets you focus on rebuilding your business and personal life rather than worrying about legal expenses.
Compassionate Guidance
Facing discrimination can be disheartening. We prioritize open communication and empathetic counsel so that you feel supported throughout the legal process.
What We Handle
What We Handle
Ferraro Law represents clients across a wide range of McDonald’s consumer protection cases and harmful corporate practices:
Racial Bias Lawsuits Against McDonald’s
We represent Black franchisees who suspect they faced unfair grading, misleading financial projections, or denied assistance due to race.
Unfair Franchise Agreements & False Financial Projections
If you believe you were misled or pressured into unfavorable contracts, we can investigate how the corporation’s practices led to financial hardship.
Wrongful Denial of Financial Assistance
Whether you were refused loans, grants, or other growth opportunities, we evaluate how such denials unfairly stunted your franchise’s potential.
Class Action & Group Litigation
If multiple franchisees share similar harm, a class action lawsuit could amplify your voices and streamline the path toward justice.
Deciding Whether to Hire a Building Collapse Attorney
Deciding Whether to Hire a McDonald’s Litigation Attorney
If you suspect you’ve been a target of discrimination while operating a McDonald’s franchise, you may wonder whether hiring a corporate misconduct attorney is necessary. A skilled attorney can help you prove instances of racial discrimination in franchising by gathering critical evidence and expert testimony. They can also clarify how franchise location discrimination may have affected your business’s profitability and guide you in deciding whether to join a class action lawsuit against McDonald’s or file an individual claim. With experienced legal counsel on your side, you’ll have the guidance to hold a global corporation accountable and pursue justice for the harm you’ve experienced.
Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution: Compensation for Victims
Compensation for Consumer
Protection Violation
A successful consumer protection lawsuit can provide crucial financial recovery to help franchise owners address the lasting impact of discriminatory practices and restore their businesses to a stable and equitable position.
Compensation may cover:
Economic Damages
Covering losses from operating in unfavorable locations, reduced sales, or higher costs caused by alleged racial bias.
Lost Opportunities
Addressing missed growth or expansion prospects due to discriminatory loan practices or withheld assistance.
Emotional Distress
Acknowledging the psychological impact of long-term corporate discrimination.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to deter McDonald’s from continuing unfair practices.
What to Look for in a Commercial Litigation Attorney
What to Look for in a McDonald’s Litigation Attorney
When you’re considering a lawsuit against McDonald’s, selecting the right attorney is crucial. Below are key factors to keep in mind when deciding who will represent your interests most effectively.
Relevant Experience
Seek a lawyer who has handled civil rights lawsuits, economic injustice claims, or other corporate misconduct cases.
Commitment to Personal Attention
A specialized law firm approach means you receive one-on-one guidance throughout this difficult time.
Resources & Reach
National capacity is crucial when taking on large companies with extensive legal defenses. It’s helpful to make sure that your attorney has the resources needed for a successful case.
Contingency Fee Approach
Some law firms use a contingency fee arrangement, where payment is only required if a favorable outcome is achieved. This model helps align the attorney’s objectives with the client’s needs, fostering a shared commitment to pursuing the best potential resolution.
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro Law
What to Expect When You Partner with Ferraro Law
Partnering with Ferraro Law means you’ll have a skilled legal team by your side, offering personalized support, transparent communication, and strategic representation to help you achieve the best potential outcome in your case against McDonald’s.
We provide personalized attention, tailoring our legal strategy to your unique experiences. The way McDonald’s assigned your franchise location or handled your financial requests shapes our approach to pursuing justice.
Leveraging extensive experience, we evaluate negotiated solutions, such as mediated settlements or direct compromises, against more adversarial approaches in court to determine the best path forward
We maintain ongoing communication, keeping you informed of each procedural milestone, from depositions to trial scheduling, so you remain confident and involved throughout the process.
For cases requiring traditional litigation, we build thorough arguments using documented evidence, witness depositions, and, when necessary, expert testimony to present a compelling case in court.
Once a decision is reached—whether through a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict—we provide post-resolution support, including enforcement or appeals, to confirm the value of the outcome is fully realized.
Once a decision is reached—whether through a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict—we provide post-resolution support, including enforcement or appeals, to confirm the value of the outcome is fully realized.
Our experience and dedicated approach sets us apart as a trusted advocate for consumers facing discrimination. We understand the challenges you may be up against and strive to help you never feel lost in the complexities of a large legal system. Our goal is to provide the unwavering support and fierce representation you need to navigate this difficult time and achieve justice.
Client Experiences
Client Experiences
When Black franchisees face discriminatory business practices, financial disadvantages, and unfair treatment, they turn to the Ferraro Law Firm for strategic legal advocacy. Our McDonald’s litigation team builds cases that expose racial bias, challenge systemic corporate misconduct, and seek financial recovery for affected franchise owners.
Through collaboration with economic analysts, business experts, and civil rights advocates, we develop robust legal strategies to hold McDonald’s accountable for placing Black franchisees at a disadvantage. Whether addressing unfair franchise agreements, misleading financial projections, or wrongful denial of financial assistance, we are committed to fighting for justice and promoting long-term accountability.
“You not only told us it was going to be okay, you showed us that it’s going to be okay.”
SUZANNE
ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA
5 Stars!! Berta, I want you to know you have the patience of a saint. It is not easy working with the public. I know firsthand. You take your time to explain so that the person understands what you are saying & if there is a problem you get to the bottom of it and come up with the answer as to why – problem solved. You are professional (very). Thank you for your time & energy you spent with me. Hopefully, management will recognize your work ethics. People like you are hard to find. You are an asset to the law firm.
Wishing you all the Best,
Bernardine Brown
Bernadine B.
5 Stars, I have been a client of The Ferraro law Firm for 24 years and everyone has been very helpful. When I had a question, it was answered promptly and without all the legalese. I would recommend the Ferraro Law Firm and attorney Jose Becerra because the entire team has been caring and professional. For many years, Nestor has been one of the best workers The Ferraro Law Firm has.
Lynn
5 STARS Thank God for the Ferraro Law firm. Every time I call to speak with my Attorney, Marc Kunen, he and his assistants are always helpful and take the time to answer my questions. I highly recommend The Ferraro Law Firm. The Ferraro Law Firm is the mouthpiece for those of us who need help.
Reverend Henry
My father passed away from mesothelioma and The Ferraro Law Firm has been there for me and my family for over 10 years. Our attorney, Aleksandra Sikorska, and Nestor in the settlements department will get the job done and are very kind and compassionate.
Michelle
The Steps Your Building Collapse Attorney Will Take
The Steps Your Consumer Protection Attorney Will Take
Once you decide to hire an attorney for your franchise discrimination case, your attorney will guide you through a structured, step-by-step process to help you navigate the legal system and pursue justice:
1
Free Initial Consultation
We listen to your story, gather details about your franchise agreements, location performance, and communication with corporate representatives.
2
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We gather grading history, internal memos, and other critical evidence to expose and challenge racial discrimination, building a powerful foundation for your claims.
3
Claim Preparation & Filing
After confirming that you qualify for a racial discrimination lawsuit, we prepare legal documents and file them in the appropriate venue.
4
Negotiation & Settlement Talks
We aim to secure fair compensation for your losses and, if needed, pursue punitive damages to address corporate wrongdoing.
5
Trial Preparation (If Needed)
If negotiations fall short, we are fully prepared to take your case to court, presenting compelling evidence of McDonald’s misconduct and the economic harm you’ve suffered.
6
Ongoing Support
Even after your case is resolved, our commitment to your success doesn’t end. We remain available to address any additional legal concerns or future challenges you may face, providing continued support and guidance with the same care and dedication you experienced throughout your case.
Meet Your Wrongful Death Attorneys
Meet Your Consumer Protection Attorneys
view Our team
Our attorneys combine decades of consumer protection and civil rights litigation experience with a fierce commitment to advocating for those harmed by corporate discrimination. At Ferraro Law, you’ll partner directly with legal professionals who understand the complexities of economic injustice claims, class action cases, and racial bias allegations.
james ferraro
Of Counsel
Jim ferraro
Commercial Litigation , Product Liability , Qui Tam Whistleblower
Marc Kunen
tax whistleblower
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I know if I can join the McDonald’s discrimination lawsuit?
If you believe you faced racial bias—like less favorable franchise locations or harsher grading—our team can assess your circumstances and determine your eligibility.
02.
Does it matter if I no longer own a McDonald’s franchise?
Even if you’ve exited the franchise system, you might have legal recourse if the company’s unfair practices contributed to your closure or financial losses.
03.
Can I pursue damages for emotional distress?
Typically, yes. If you experienced ongoing stress, anxiety, or other emotional harm from corporate misconduct, we can include non-economic damages in your lawsuit.
04.
What are my options if McDonald’s offers a settlement?
We’ll discuss whether the offer meets your needs. If it falls short, our firm will proceed to litigation and present a strong case for full compensation.
05.
How long does this type of lawsuit take?
Timelines vary based on case complexity and corporate cooperation. We keep you informed at every stage and remain focused on achieving a just outcome.
06.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Yes. We represent clients nationwide. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims showcases how we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
have more questions?
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
Corporate Misconduct
Improper, unethical, or illegal behavior by a corporation or its representatives.
Class Action Lawsuit
A single legal action involving multiple plaintiffs with similar claims against the same defendant.
Economic Injustice
Unfair or discriminatory economic practices, including denying loans, misleading financial projections, assigning less favorable business locations, or withholding growth opportunities.
Punitive Damages
Monetary awards designed to punish wrongdoing and deter others from similar behavior.
Civil Rights Lawyer
An attorney specializing in cases that protect citizens from discrimination and uphold equal treatment under the law.
Franchise Agreement
A legal contract between a franchisor and franchisee outlining the terms, obligations, and rights of operating under the franchisor’s brand.
Unfair Business Practices
Corporate behaviors that exploit, mislead, or harm franchisees or consumers, often violating legal or ethical standards.
What's Next?
what’s next?
If you believe McDonald’s denied you fair growth opportunities, financial assistance, or honest representation because of your race, Ferraro Law can determine if you have a claim. We are committed to listening to your story, understanding your experiences, and advocating for the justice you deserve. Share your story with us today and schedule a no-obligation consultation to explore your options for justice.
attorney referral program
attorney referral program
Ferraro Law is nationally renowned for achieving significant settlements in complex personal injury cases. Firms across the country refer clients to Ferraro Law, recognizing our commitment to exceptional service, groundbreaking results, and readiness to tackle cases others find too risky or costly.
