§8-22-17. Equity action by person injured from violation of chapter authorized; injunctive relief; damages; attorneys fees; jurisdiction.

(a) Any person injured by any violation, or who would suffer injury from any threatened violation, of this chapter may maintain an action in any court of equity jurisdiction to prevent, restrain, or enjoin such violation or threatened violation. If in such action a violation or threatened violation of this chapter shall be established, the court shall enjoin and restrain, or otherwise prohibit, such violation or threatened violation and, in addition thereto, the court shall assess in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant the costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees. In such action it shall not be necessary that actual damages to the plaintiff be alleged or proved, but where alleged and proved, the plaintiff in said action, in addition to such injunctive relief and cost of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees, shall be entitled to recover from the defendant the damages sustained by him.

(b) A person injured as a result of an act or practice which violates this chapter may bring a civil action for appropriate relief, including an action for a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and for actual damages. Any actual damages found to have resulted from violations of this chapter shall be trebled by the court in making its award. Any action under this subsection shall be brought within two years after the alleged violations occurred.

(c) The court, in making an award under subsection (b) of this section, may award court costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party.

(d) The courts of this state are empowered with jurisdiction to hear and determine all cases brought under this section. Venue lies in any county where the defendant or any of them resides or does business or where the cause of action accrues.

(Acts 1984, No. 84-260, p. 433, §17.)