Legal Protection from Aggressive Debt Collectors
If you are in debt you likely already know it; harassing calls and threats from bill collectors do nothing to alleviate an already stressful experience.
As your attorney, I can help protect you from overly aggressive debt collectors. Contact The Norris Law Firm, PLLC, for a free initial consultation.
Debtors Have Rights
Although you may legally owe a debt, both state law and the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you against harassment and unfair and deceptive practices by creditors to collect that debt. The law clearly specifies what can and can't be done in connection with debt collection:
- Debt collectors must identify themselves
- Debt collectors can not lie or make false claims
- Debt collectors may not contact other people about the debt, other than your spouse or attorney
- Debt collectors may not harass or abuse the client or his/her family
- Debt collectors may contact debtors only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Debt collectors may not contact debtors at work if requested to abstain
- Debt collectors must cease contact with the debtor if requested to do so
An Attorney Can Protect You
If you hire a lawyer to represent you, creditors and debt collectors are not allowed to contact you directly. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and to protect you from unscrupulous collectors who may be disregarding the law. You have the right to sue the debt collector in state or federal court within one year from the date that the debt collector violated the law. If you win, you can recover the damages that you suffered, plus an additional amount of up to $1,000, plus court costs and attorney fees. You may also have a claim under state law if the debt collector's actions have caused you severe emotional stress.
No Attorney Fees to You
If you can't afford to hire an attorney, don't worry. Federal law says that if you prove the bill collector violated your rights, the bill collector may have to pay for your attorney's fees and court costs in addition to your damages. Because of this, we are able to handle your claim on a contingent fee basis so that you do not pay attorney's fees "up front". We usually will accept as full payment whatever a court awards us for our fees, which are not related to the amount you recover.
I Can Help You
As your lawyer, I can protect you from overly aggressive debt collectors and protect your legal rights. Please contact me today for a free initial consultation.
The Norris Law Firm, PLLC
8601 Six Forks Road, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27615
Telephone: (919) 882-2077 | Facsimile: (919) 585-5324
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