Debt Collection Lawsuits Can Stop Harassment

In the face of economic hardship, more and more Americans are facing debt and along with that debt comes debt collectors. Though strict federal laws govern the actions of debt collectors, many Americans facing debt collection harassment are not aware of their rights.

Under a federal law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Americans facing debt collection harassment have explicit rights, and when a debt collector breaks this law and engages in debt collection harassment, the victim may be reluctant to seek help. But there are several important reasons to consider a debt collection lawsuit if you find yourself in this situation.

The first obstacle many people think they’ll face when consulting a debt collection lawyer is cost, but this may not be the case with a debt collection lawsuit. A debt collection lawyer may cost much less than you think.

Under the federal debt collection law, a company that breaks the law is required to pay for court costs and legal fees. This means that under the FDCPA, if a debt collector has broken the law, they are required to pay for the cost of the debt collection lawsuit, as well as your lawyer. This makes it more cost-effective than most people realize to file a debt collection lawsuit in cases where a person has suffered from debt collection harassment.

Additionally, if you win an debt collection lawsuit, the law itself allows for up to $1,000 in statutory damages. Statutory damages mean that when the law is violated, a person bringing the lawsuit is entitled to a certain amount of money independent of actual damages they’ve suffered at the hands of debt collectors.

Following from statutory damages, a debt collection harassment lawsuit may seek actual damages. “Actual damages” is a legal term for money you have lost due to debt collection harassment. The classic example would be if you lost your job due to debt collection harassment.

Under the federal law, you could theoretically seek actual damages for lost wages due to your termination, and there is no limit to actual damages. This means that if you can prove that debt collection harassment cost you money, the law does not limit how much of this money you can seek to recoup.

Most importantly, debt collection lawsuits can make debt collection harassment stop. Most people in this situation just want the harassment to stop and a debt collection harassment lawsuit can do just that.

Under the federal debt collection law, debt collectors are forbidden from contacting family members about your debt, contacting you at work if you are not allowed to take personal calls there, and using obscene language, among other rules.

A debt collection harassment lawsuit can put a stop to this kind of behavior.

Join a Free Unfair Debt Collection Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If a lender or debt collector engaged in unfair debt collection practices, you may have a legal claim and could be owed compensation for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

DISCLAIMER: Debt collection itself is not illegal. However, debt collection firms collecting on consumer debts must adhere to the FDCPA. Even though debt attorneys are investigating these companies, their debt collection practices may be legal.