Nobody ever wants to be sued for a debt, but unfortunately, it does happen, Louisiana. And if it does happen, there is no need to panic. With the assistance of a good debt collection defense lawyer, you may actually have a strong defense against the law suit.
Below are 6 ways you may be able to strengthen your defense with a debt collection defense lawyer.
The most common mistake consumers make after being sued for a debt is not responding to the summons. Responding is a rather simple thing to do with the assistance of a debt collection defense lawyer.
Even if you are not able to pay the reported debt, you should still respond. If you do not respond, the collection agency will be able get a default judgement and garnish your wages. Even if the reported debt is wrong, the debt collector will likely still be able to seize the amount including extra fess from you.
Debt collectors usually purchase reported debts from creditors for pennies on the dollar. If the debt collector does not have evidence of a transfer by a signed credit card agreement, a debt collection defense lawyer may be able to challenge the standing of the of the debt collector to sue.
In Louisiana, creditors or debt collectors have five years to sue on the collection of a debt. Even if the time has prescribed, a debt collector may still try to sue without merit. A debt collection defense lawyer will be able to determine if this is a legitimate defense for your case.
Original creditors often do not have sufficient documentation for their reported debts owed by consumers. When they sell the debt to a debt collector there is a decent chance that they cannot provide accurate records. As such, a debt collection defense lawyer will likely be able to get a ruling in your favor.
When debt collectors find out that a consumer is being represented by a debt collection defense lawyer, they immediately change their tone . They may offer to settle for a fraction of the debt or stop pursing the debt.
Consumers sometimes resist their instinct to contact a debt collection defense lawyer. Maybe they are embarrassed, do not know their rights as a consumer, or think they cannot afford one. Any victim of debt collection harassment in Louisiana may be represent free of charge by the right consumer advocacy law firm.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors are restricted on how they contact you and attempt to collect a debt. When a debt collector violates the FDCPA, a debt collection defense lawyer may make them pay you up to $1,000 in statutory damages. Some law firms like Paramount Law even specialize in the FDCPA. If you think a debt collector has violated your rights, do not hesitate to contact Paramount Law today.
