Personal Injury Debt Harassment Attorney in Brandon
Creditor harassment can drain your energy and create a stressful situation in your life. The good news is, it doesn't have to. When you know your rights, you can stop creditor harassment and go back to living your life.
See What We Do
Learn About Our Firm
Table of Contents
The Federal Debt Collection Practices Act
The Federal Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to regulate debt collectors and to stop debt collection harassment. Because it is a federal law, all consumers within the United States are protected under its provisions. Unfortunately, some collection companies do not follow these rules, and consumers may fall victim to illegal debt collection harassment.
What Qualifies as Debt Harassment?
Examples of what qualifies as harassment per the FDCPA include: use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm you, use of obscene or profane language, publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, causing a telephone to ring repeatedly with intent to annoy or harass, and placement of telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of the caller's identity.
Know Your Rights
A debt collector is allowed to call you if there is a genuine debt to recover. However, they are often over "enthusiastic" and may end up placing too many calls or end up using tough language. This is considered to be harassment. The FDCPA helps punish harassment by debt collectors. The Act gives out specific guidelines on what is considered unlawful behavior to protect our consumer rights.
Take Control of Your Situation
Creditor harassment can drain your energy and create a stressful situation. The good news is, it doesn't have to. When you know your rights, you can stop creditor harassment. If you or a loved one are the subject of debt collection efforts, we can help protect your rights and provide recourse against collectors that practice harassment during their attempts to get payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can collectors call me anytime? No. Collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or at times they know are inconvenient. Can they contact my employer? Only to verify your employment and under very limited circumstances. What if they violate the FDCPA? You may sue for actual damages, up to $1,000 in additional damages, and attorney fees.
Contact Curry Law Group Today
If you or a loved one are the subject of debt collection harassment, we invite you to fill out the form on this page or call our office to talk with an experienced attorney today. We service the entire Tampa Bay Area and would like the chance to represent you. Call 813-653-2500.
Serving the Greater Tampa Bay Area
Our attorneys represent clients across Hillsborough County. Explore this practice in your community:
Ready to Discuss?
Call today to discuss your debt harassment case with an experienced attorney.
813-653-2500Submit Case DetailsRelated Services
Key Legal Terms
Important Personal Injury Terms
Understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions about your case.
Assumption of Risk
A defense arguing the injured person voluntarily accepted the known dangers of an activity. In Florida, it can reduce or bar recovery depending on the type of risk assumed.
Read full definitionBad Faith Insurance
An insurer's unreasonable refusal to settle or pay a valid claim. In Florida, a bad faith claim can expose the insurer to damages beyond the policy limits.
Read full definitionBreach of Duty
A failure to meet the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Breach of duty is a required element of any negligence claim.
Read full definitionBurden of Proof
The obligation of a party to prove a disputed fact. In most personal injury cases, the injured person bears the burden of proving each element of their claim by a preponderance of the evidence.
Read full definitionCausation
The link between a defendant's conduct and the plaintiff's injury. A plaintiff must prove both actual cause (but-for) and proximate cause to recover damages.
Read full definitionCausation Letter
A doctor's written opinion that your injury was caused by the accident. Insurance companies often require this note to connect your pain to the incident before they will pay.
Read full definitionStart Consultation
Get Legal Help Today
Speak With an Attorney
Confidential case review. No obligation.
Curry Law Group — Personal Injury Series
Watch our attorneys break down real personal injury scenarios, evidence tips, and what to expect after an accident in Hillsborough County.
Resources & Insights
Related Blogs and Articles
What Can You Do if a Debt Collector Is Harassing You?
If a debt collector is harassing you, preserve every communication, ask for information validating the debt, document when and how the collector contacts you, and clearly state any communication restrictions you want the collector to follow. You may also submit complaints to consumer-protection agencies and speak with an attorney about whether the conduct violates the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act.
Read MoreWhat Debt Collection Practices Are Illegal?
Debt collectors may ask for payment and pursue lawful remedies, but they may not use harassment, abuse, false statements, unfair methods, unauthorized fees, prohibited third-party disclosures, or threats of action they cannot legally take. The federal FDCPA and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act define which debt collection practices are illegal.
Read MoreCan You Sue a Debt Collector for Harassment?
You may be able to sue a debt collector when its conduct violates the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act. A successful claim may allow recovery of actual damages, statutory damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees. The federal deadline is generally one year from the violation, and the Florida deadline is generally two years.
Read MoreQuick Resources
Forms & Common Questions
Get immediate answers and the right intake forms for your matter.
Related Legal Forms
Personal Injury Questionnaire
Complete this before your consultation if you've been injured in an accident.
Top-Asked Questions
In Florida, you typically have four years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this deadline (called the statute of limitations) can vary depending on the type of injury and circumstances. It's important to act quickly because evidence can disappear and witness memories fade. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
You may recover damages for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional acts, you might also be eligible for punitive damages. The specific damages available depend on your injury and the circumstances of your case.
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. During settlement negotiations, we work with insurance companies to reach a fair agreement for your injuries and losses. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial. We'll never pressure you to accept a settlement you're not comfortable with.
The value of your case depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and the strength of liability evidence. We provide a thorough case evaluation during your consultation. Insurance companies often undervalue claims—that's why having an experienced attorney is crucial.
Florida uses "comparative negligence" rules. Even if you're partially at fault, you may still recover damages—reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and damages are $100,000, you'd recover $80,000. However, if you're found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Know Your Rights
Ready to Know Your Rights?
Our attorneys are ready to listen and fight for you. Reach out today.
Proudly serving the Greater Tampa Bay Area