Whether you owe a debt or there has been a mix-up, you may find yourself suffering at the hands of a debt collector’s harassment. As such, it can have profound impacts on your life. When they cross a line and violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you’ve experienced as a result. Keep reading to learn more about how an FDCPA violation can impact your life and the funds you can recover with the assistance of a Los Angeles, California debt defense lawyer.
What Is an FDCPA Violation?
When someone owes a debt, it may be sent to collections. As such, the person responsible for contacting you about this debt must follow the rules listed in the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Many assume that as a debtor, they have no consumer rights. However, this is far from the truth. If the collector does not follow these regulations, they are committing a violation and can be held liable for the damages you’ve endured as a consumer.
Common violations of this Act include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Failing to identify themselves as a debt collector
- Claiming to be a member of law enforcement or an attorney
- Threatening to arrest you
- Calling you repeatedly in a short period
- Calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Using vulgar or threatening language
- Talking to anyone else but you or your attorney about the debt you owe
- Continuing to call your place of work after you’ve informed them you are not permitted to take personal calls
What Damages Can I Recover in These Instances?
If you’ve experienced creditor harassment or an FDCPA violation regarding a debt you owe, you can likely hold the negligent collector liable for damages.
It’s important to understand that even if the FDCPA violation did not impact your life, you can still recover statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation.
However, if a collector’s actions have had ramifications on your life, you may be able to collect additional compensation. For example, if you were inundated with calls at work and your boss demoted you, or you did not receive a promotion because of this, you may be able to sue for lost wages that you’ve incurred. Similarly, if you’re experiencing emotional damage due to the stress and humiliation caused by the collector, you can fight for compensation for your emotional state.
If you’re the victim of a debt collector who violated the FDCPA, you must understand that you do not have to suffer in silence. At Los Angeles Legal Solutions, our dedicated team can help you hold them responsible for the damages you’ve incurred because of their actions. Contact us today to learn how our dedicated team can assist you during these challenging times.
