Nothing is worse than being sued for a debt that you owe. If you really owe the money, you should do everything possible to repay the money. When facing a debt collection lawsuit, the worst thing you can do is not respond to it. This allows the creditor to get a default judgment against you, which can take a further toll on your circumstances. Depending on the situation, you may have a valid defense, and law firms in Chicago often offer free consultations. Consider consulting a lawyer from Zero Debt Law Firm to know more. Here’s more about defending a debt collection lawsuit.
When things were not done right
Creditors often deal with numerous debt collection lawsuits at once, and therefore, it is not uncommon for lawyers to make mistakes. If the lawyer for the plaintiff didn’t file the papers correctly or filed them in the wrong correct, that could become the crux of your defense. If there is an issue in the initial contract or there was an issue with how the documents were drafted, you could use that to defend the debt collection lawsuit. Lawyers can review your credit reports and the lawsuit papers and ensure you are not missing any points.
The Statute of Limitations
All states have a statute of limitations, which is a law that defines the cap or deadline for filing a lawsuit for debt collection. If you owed the money 20 years back, a creditor could not suddenly decide to file a case to recover the amount. If that happens, it is a violation of the statute of limitations, and your attorney can prove that the plaintiff doesn’t have a case against you.
When the money was paid, or the debt was released
If you had filed for bankruptcy and had the debt discharged, you cannot be sued again for the money. The creditor may not know about that, and in that case, the debt collection lawsuit will not stand. If you had paid the money but are still being sued, you have the right to defend the case. Each debt collection lawsuit is unique in many ways, and it makes sense to talk to an attorney who can guide you through everything.
Finally, yours could be a case of mistaken identity. There are many people with the same names and similar profiles, and the debt collection lawsuit could be related to someone else, but you were entangled in the process. Talk to the lawyer to know more.
