Linebarger Debt Collection Class Action Settlement

UPDATE:

• The claims filing deadline has been extended to June 15, 2021.

Consumers may be able to recoup part of what they paid to Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, a law firm that allegedly sent collection letters to Californians improperly, as a part of a $9 million class action settlement.

Individuals who may be able to take part include those who paid money in response to debt collection letters sent by the law firm between Sept. 16, 2013, and April 15, 2019. Class Members must have paid money to Linebarger on a debt owed to a client of the law firm, and Linebarger must have received a fee as a part of that payment.

Consumers filed the class action lawsuit against the Texas-based law firm in March 2017, alleging the firm improperly sent debt collection letters in violation of California law. The law firm allegedly assists clients in collecting debts in exchange for a fee.

According to the complaint, the debts concerned money owed to governmental entities, such as unpaid taxes, tolls, fines and fees for services, particularly fees for medical services conducted at public hospitals or court fees. Linebarger allegedly sent demand letters into California seeking payment.

The letters were sent in violation of state law, but some consumers paid the debts anyway, the plaintiffs said. In addition, the law firm allegedly assessed a fee.

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson insists it did not do anything wrong; however, the firm has agreed to settle the class action lawsuit and avoid further litigation.

“Based on their work, Class Counsel believe that the claims asserted against Linebarger in the Litigation have merit,” the settlement agreement states. “At the same time, Class Counsel recognize that continued prosecution of the Litigation through trial and possible appeal would be protected and expensive.”

In addition to paying back a portion of the fee they assessed, the law firm has agreed to have a licensed California attorney oversee its debit collection activities in that state, including reviewing batches of letters sent to Californians.

According to settlement documents, the firm has identified approximately 151,000 Class Members.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Class Members can claim 23.32% of the money they paid to Linebarger.

According to settlement documents, the total amount of Class Member payments is capped at $9 million, excluding plaintiff awards, attorneys’ fees and administration fees. If claims exceed the cap, Class Member payments may be reduced.

To make a claim, Class Members must submit a claim form online or by mail by June 15, 2021. Class Members were sent a Claim ID and PIN with their settlement notice; however, the claim form does not require this information.

The exclusion and objection deadlines for this class action settlement have already passed. A fairness hearing was held Aug. 23, 2019.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who may be able to take part include those who paid money in response to debt collection letters sent by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson between Sept. 16, 2013, and April 15, 2019. Class Members must have:

• paid money to Linebarger on a debt owed to a client of the law firm; and
• Linebarger must have received a fee as a part of that payment

Potential Award

Up to 23.32% of the debt paid. 

Proof of Purchase

None

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

06/15/2021

Case Name

Edmund Hoy, et al. v. John Clinnin, et al., Case No. 37-2017-00007840-CU-BT-NC, in the San Diego Superior Court, North County Division

Final Hearing

08/23/2019

Settlement Website

HoySettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Hoy v. Linebarger Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 404138
Louisville, KY 40233-4138
1-866-688-4905

Class Counsel

William McGrane
Matthew Sepuya
MCGRANE PC

Michael Walsh
THE WALSH FIRM PC

Michael J. Hassen
REALLAW APC

Defense Counsel

Stephen Turner
Patrik Johansson
LEWIS BRISBOIS BISGAARD & SMITH LLP

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