The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is designed to eliminate the abusive and deceptive practices often associated with the private debt collection process. Unfortunately, many collection agencies are more concerned with the bottom line than your rights and emotional well-being.
At the Law Offices of Jibreal S. Hindi, we understand that dealing with debt collectors is an added burden during already difficult times. Let our dedicated FDCPA enforcement attorney protect your rights under federal law and even work to obtain your needed financial relief. Call (844) 542-7235 or connect with him online to schedule a free case evaluation.
Both federal and state laws regulate debt collections. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors may not engage in the following actions:
Numerous additional regulations apply to debt collection practices, including prohibitions on charging interest. If you’ve been subject to any harassing or misleading conduct from a debt collector, an experienced debt collections lawyer might analyze your case to determine whether you qualify for compensation.
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, especially if your case involves multiple offenses, you have the right to hire legal counsel to sue the debt collector in court. You have one year from the date of the violation to file a federal lawsuit, and damages from the debt collector might include all attorney’s fees and court costs. In most cases, you’re not the only plaintiff. Discovery may uncover systemic abuse by the debt collector against multiple claimants, potentially supporting a class action lawsuit. This gives an experienced FDCPA litigator substantial leverage in negotiating a settlement or obtaining statutory damages.
In some cases, consumer protection lawyers can use FDCPA violations to help settle or eliminate your debts. Collections agencies that refuse to settle may be required to pay statutory (punitive) and actual damages. Actual damages include any real financial harm associated with the harassment, such as job loss or lost business reputation.
Punitive damages are awarded up to $1,000 per violation, meaning you might obtain $1,000 for every unlawful phone call. If you filed a class action, each plaintiff might receive $1,000 plus another $500,000 awarded or 1 percent of the company’s net worth, whichever is less, divided among all plaintiffs. Damages might also include all attorneys’ fees and court costs.
The penalties for violating the FDCA are significant and may result in both justice and financial relief. Protect yourself and others from unfair debt collection practices with the help of national FDCA enforcement lawyer Jibreal S. Hindi. Call (844) 542-7235 or connect with his legal team online.