by Paul MankinWhat is a Soft Credit Inquiry
A “soft” credit inquiry (or a soft “pull”) is distinguishable from a “hard” credit inquiry in two key ways: it can be done without the consumer’s knowledge or consent, and it doesn’t affect a consumer’s credit score. When we hear someone caution against the harm of checking one’s credit score, they are, perhaps unknowingly, talking only about hard credit inquiries.
While credit scores are, in fact, impacted by hard credit checks, they are actually the less common of the two types. A hard inquiry typically only occurs when a consumer applies for credit or a loan, and the associated inquiry requires the consumer’s knowledge and consent. A soft inquiry, on the other hand, may be performed for any number of other reasons and, in many cases, can occur without the consumer ever knowing.
A common type of soft inquiry occurs when a credit card company sends a consumer a pre-approval letter. Since a hard credit pull will have to be performed if and when the targeted consumer submits a credit application in response to the pre-approval notice, the creditor first performs a soft pull so it doesn’t waste time and postage soliciting business from an unlendable consumer.
Soft credit inquiries are also commonly performed as part of a prospective employee’s background check. Since an employer’s credit inquiry is done for reasons other than assessing the risk of lending to a consumer, a hard inquiry is unnecessary and the employer’s pull will not reflect on the consumer’s credit report. It is worth noting, however, that an employer’s credit pull is one of the very few types of soft inquiries requiring express consent from the consumer.
Another type of soft credit inquiry occurs when a consumer checks their own credit. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer is entitled to receive an annual copy of their credit report at no cost and at no harm to their credit score. This annual report is identical to the report provided when a hard credit inquiry is made and gives the consumer the best available idea of what a prospective creditor or lender sees when reviewing a credit or loan application.
A more common type of soft inquiry occurs when a consumer checks their own credit report through a third-party service, such as Credit Karma. While the reported information is (or should be) accurate, the credit score provided to the consumer is likely to be at least a little different than the score provided in response to a hard credit inquiry. The disparity is due to the fact that the third-party service calculates and provides scores based on their own algorithm as opposed to using that of one of the two major score providers, FICO and VantageScore. While the third-party scoring algorithm is largely similar to that of FICO and/or VantageScore and will provide a comparable result for most intents and purposes, third-party algorithms tend to underestimate a consumer’s credit score and should not be relied on as a matter of fact.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Americol harassing you?
There are many debt collection agencies that are currently in business. These companies prey on the fact that you may have a debt that needs to be paid off, as they tend to buy the debts from the original owners a much lower amount that what is owed.
Here is what you need to know about Americol, and what may happen if they contact you.
What is Americol?
Americol is listed as a debt collection agency that serves the Los Angeles and Silicon Valley area. They are stated to have one employee, and have been in business since 2009. They work as a debt collection buyer system, as well as a third-hand collection representative.
Is Americol a legit Debt Collection Agency?
According to the Better Business Bureau, they are said to reside in California. However, they do not have any primary information, and have a rating of NR through the BBB. They are also not accredited by the BBB.
This may all stem from the fact that the company is no longer in business. According to the BBB, all of the phone numbers that were previously listed on the BBB were disconnected. Not only that, when the BBB attempted to send mail to the company, the mail was returned as undeliverable.
Americol Contact Information:
Address: PO Box 1001, Canyon Country, CA 91386-1001
Does Americol have Complaints against them?
Americaol does not have any complaints listed against them on the BBB database. They also have no reviews listed through the BBB.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has no information on Americol within their Consumer Complaint Database. There is no mention of them even under their alternative name, Americol, Inc.
What does this mean for Americol?
As listed above, if you have been contacted by Americol at this point, then you are most likely being scammed. Since the company is listed as being out of business by the BBB, it is safe to assume that they should not be contacting anyone about a debt or debts they may have.
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is also vastly illegal for them to be harassing you and badgering you through phone calls or emails. If you have had several phone calls from a company known as Americol, then whoever is calling you is in violation of federal laws, and can be punished by the courts.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Americol?
So how can you protect yourself against such scammers? Quite easily. The first step is to quell their attempts at getting any information from you. They will most likely attempt a scare and fear tactic by saying that you “Are being pursued” or that you “Are behind and have people looking for you.” If you are told any of these, or other such lines, understand that the first thing you should do is ask for verification of the debt. Verification can come in many forms, such as a written letter, or an email with personal information on the debt. You can also tell them to stop harassing you, and to stop calling you, as that is well within your rights as well.
If they continue to harass you through excessive phone calls or robocalls, then you should hire an experienced and knowledgeable debt collector harassment attorney. We here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC understand that you may not know what debt collector harassment is, or what it looks like. As such, our experienced team can help you identify the harassment, stop the harassment, and then report the harassment to the proper authorities.
Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.
The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:
- Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
- Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
- Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
- Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
- Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
- Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.
Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.
by Paul MankinIs Central Financial Control Harassing You?
Central Financial Control
Central Financial Control provides debt collection services to the medical and healthcare industry. The company is based in Anaheim, California.
The Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) is a government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. In 2015, the CFPB took an enforcement action against Central Financial Control because it engaged in certain unlawful debt collection practices. The CFPB found that the company mistreated consumers and prevented consumers from exercising critical debt collection rights. Specifically, the CFPB found that Central Financial Control failed to send debt validation notices to over 10,000 consumers, while still continuing to collect over $2 million in debt from these same consumers. The CFPB highlighted the importance of debt validation notices because these notices allow consumers to determine whether the debt is valid and whether the amount demanded is correct.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) expressly allows consumers to request a creditor or debt collector to send proof of the debt. Within five (5) days after its initial communication, the creditor or debt collector must send a notice, referred to as the G-Notice. A consumer then has thirty (30) days to dispute a debt and to request proof of the debt. Failure to respond to the request for proof of a debt is a direct violation of the law.
Creditors and debt collectors should be held accountable for these unethical and unlawful practices. If you are being harassed or subjected to any of these, deceptive, or abusive debt collection practices, it is time to hold Central Financial Control accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.
by Paul MankinIs Westside Recovery Services, LLC Harassing You?
Westside Recovery Services, LLC
Westside Recovery Services, LLC (Westside) provides debt collection services, including collecting bounced checks and insurance claims. It specializes in medical, commercial, and insurance sectors in California. Westside was founded in 1999 and is based in Los Angeles, California.
The Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) is a government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. The CFPB has received complaints regarding Westside’s unlawful debt collection practices, which include attempting to a collect a debt that is not owed by the consumer and refusing to validate or provide proof of a debt.
After being contacted by Westside to collect a debt, a consumer sent multiple letters via regular and certified mail to Westside requesting that the company provide proof of the debt. Westside refused to accept the certified letters and refused to validate the debt.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) expressly allows consumers to request a creditor or debt collector to send proof of the debt. Within five (5) days after its initial communication, the creditor or debt collector must send a notice, referred to as the G-Notice. A consumer then has thirty (30) days to dispute a debt and to request proof of the debt. Failure to respond to the request for proof of a debt is a direct violation of the law. Since Westside blatantly violated the law, the consumer filed a complaint with the CFPB and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer.
Creditors and debt collectors should be held accountable for these unethical and unlawful practices. If you are being harassed or subjected to any of these, deceptive, or abusive debt collection practices, it is time to hold Westside accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Asset Recovery Bureau harassing you?
Debt collection agencies are a dime a dozen nowadays. It seems that every time you walk the streets, there’s another business advertising their collection skills.
Asset Recovery Bureau is one such company. With a name that seems to be synonymous with many other debt collection companies in the same line of work, it’s difficult to know if they are legitimate or not. Here is what you need to know about Asset Recovery Bureau, and how to defend yourself if you are contacted by them.
What is Asset Recovery Bureau?
Asset Recovery Bureau is, as listed through the Better Business Bureau, an unclaimed funds retrieval service. They are said to serve the Greater Houston area, as well as the South Texas regions. They were established in 2009, with only about 10 employees to their name. They also go by the name Asset Recovery Bureau LLC.
There is a slight discrepancy when it comes to this company, however. Although information online is scarce, the Better Business Bureau has an Asset Recovery Bureau that only has them listed as an unclaimed funds retrieval service. This wording suggests that this may also be a type of debt collection agency, just not fully under that guise.
Is Asset Recovery Bureau a legit Debt Collection Agency?
The legitimacy of the company Asset Recovery Bureau is a little gray at this current time. Due to numerous reports of different agencies using the name, it is better to state that they are a non-legitimate company being run under the assumption it would pass as a legitimate debt collection agency.
There are a few different agencies, with one being based out of Houston, Texas. Another company is based out of California, with ties to payday loan stores in Murrieta, Temecula and Lake Elsinore.
With many companies going under the same name, it is believed that representatives contacting you on behalf of Asset Recovery Bureau may be scammers, as well as illegitimate companies attempting to elicit payments through illegal means.
Is there any information about Asset Recovery Bureau
Unfortunately, there is not. There are no known databases that hold information on Asset Recovery Bureau in detail. Any listed information here is subject to discretion, and should be used primarily in case suspicious calls are being made.
Address: 11811 North Freeway, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77060
Phone: 1-877-413-6965
There was no other known information on the California based company of Asset Recovery Bureau.
Are there cases against Asset Recovery Bureau?
Although there is very little information on this agency, there has been a case brought before the courts in 2014. During this case, it was brought before the courts that California residents, David and Julie Weathersby, had received a letter of collection from the Asset Recovery Bureau LLC. In this letter, it was stated that there was a final notice of a debt that the Weathersbys owed in the amount of $2400.00.
After this letter was sent, they were then contacted throughout the year multiple times by debt collectors that stated they were from Asset Recovery Bureau. Each time, they told the representative that they did not wish for the calls to continue, yet the representatives continued to call and harass the Weatherbys.
Because of this, David and Julie ended up hiring a consumer attorney, and sued Asset Recovery Bureau under breaches of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The Federal Debt Collection Practice Act is a set of laws that explicitly stop debt collectors from using harassing and abusive techniques and practices when attempting to collect on a debt. These laws prohibit the following, as well as several others:
- Using excessive phone calls or robocalls
- Calling a consumer’s place of work or friends/neighbors
- Using threatening, abusive, or harassing language
- Threatening with legal actions (Suing, Arrest)
In the above trial, it was alleged that Asset Recovery Bureau had broken each of these laws, which means that they use illegal and underhanded methods and practices when attempting to collect on a debt.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Asset Recovery Bureau?
Because of the scarce information surrounding Asset Recovery Bureau, it is safe to assume that any representative calling you about a debt from their agency is a fraud or scammer. As such, taking precautionary measures in these times is very appropriate.
The first step you can take is to verify the representative and who they represent. To do this, ask for the representative’s first and last name, and then ask for which company they are working for. If they do not provide you with this information, you are under no obligation to give them any time about the debt they are wanting to collect on.
The second is to verify the debt they are collecting on. This can be done by asking for verification through physical means, or asking who the original debt holder was, and then confirming with the original debt holder that the debt is legitimate. If the representative cannot do so, then you are not obligated to pay for the debt at all.
If they continue to harass you, even after they have not done the items listed above, then it is time to hire a debt collection harassment attorney and start making a claim. To do this, you need a team of experienced and well-versed attorneys and lawyers that know debt collection harassment laws. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC are well versed in the debt collection harassment laws, as well as many of the underhanded and sneaky ways representatives may try to extort payments from you. We can help you identify debt collection harassment, stop the harassment, and report the harassment to the proper authorities.
Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.
The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:
- Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
- Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
- Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
- Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
- Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
- Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.
Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.
by Paul MankinIs Edgwater Consulting Group, LLC Harassing You?
Edgewater Consulting Group, LLC, also known as Edgewater Financial Services, is a debt collection agency located in Tucson, Arizona. The agency has been in business since 2005 and provides debt collection services for delinquent student loan accounts.
Contact Information:
NO ADDRESS IS AVAILABLE
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: (253) 835-7341
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency charged with ensuring that companies in the financial industry, such as debt collection agencies, do not abuse consumers, report no complaints filed against Edgewater Consulting Group, LLC. However, it has been sued at least once for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal act that was passed in order to protect consumers from abusive and unfair debt collection practices. The complainant alleges that the collection agency violated the Act by calling her at 7:00 a.m., using an auto dialer to harass her, and threatening to garnish her social security income. The Act prohibits debt collectors from calling a consumer before 8:00 a.m., threatening to take actions that it is not legally able to take (such as garnishing Social Security income), and allowing a consumer’s phone to ring continuously in order to harass them.
The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using any unfair, abusive, or harassing practices such as:
- Falsely representing that nonpayment could lead to a consumers arrest
- Communicating with a third party about a debt
- Failing to disclose that a communication is an attempt to collect a debt
- Using profane or abusive language
- Refusing to provide verification of a debt to a consumer
- Continuing collection attempts after being asked in writing to stop
- Collecting interest or fees the original contract did not authorize
- Threatening to repossess property it has no legal right to take
This is not an all inclusive list of the acts prohibited by the FDCPA and if you feel that Edgewater Consulting Group, LLC is using unfair or abusive practices in order to collect a debt from you, it is time to hold them accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.
by Paul MankinAre you being harassed by the debt collection agency Alacrity Collections?
Dealing with debt collectors can be extremely difficult. You may not know if the one that is calling is legitimate, or if you are possibly being scammed. This can be true for anyone, even well established names such as Alacrity Collections. If you have been contacted by Alacrity Collections, here is what you need to know about their debt collection agency.
What is Alacrity Collections?
Alacrity Collections is stated to be located in Maryland, and has been in business for 37 years. They are listed as a collections agency, and cater primarily towards healthcare debts, business to business debts, and consumer debts. They claim that their debt recovery average is twice the national average. They are headed by Susan Hayes, who is listed as the President, and are said to have approximately 12 employees.
Is Alacrity Collections a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Alacrity Collections is considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency. They have been in business for 37 years, and have a Better Business Bureau rating of A+. However, the ratings on the BBB website do not take into account customer reviews.
Alacrity Collections Contact Information
Address: 175 Admiral Cochrane Dr STE 202 Annapolis, MD 21401-7316
Other Address: PO Box 586 Riva, MD 21140-0586
Other Address: 900 Bestgate Rd # 407 Riva, MD 21401-7964
Fax Number: 1-410-573-9667
Phone Number: 1-800-752-9663
Other Phone: 1-410-721-2744
Website: http://www.alacritycollections.com
Does Alacrity Collections have Complaints against them?
Alacrity Collections currently has no complaints lodged against them through the BBB website.
There are four complaints lodged against Alacrity Collections through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database based on violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
Of the four complaints lodged against Alacrity Collections, all four were listed as dealing with debt collection harassment. Two were listed as attempts to collect on an already paid debt. Another was listed as attempts to collect on a debt that is not the victim’s, and another complaint cites too little information to verify the debt in question.
Each of the complaints also state that Alacrity Collections attempted verbal and physical harassment. Through debt collector harassment like constant and aggressive phone calls, as well as attempting to collect on debts that may not be owned by the victim, Alacrity Collections attempts to extort a payment from whomever they may contact. Although this may be effective, this is highly illegal and improper under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Are the Practices of Alacrity Collections Legal?
Of the complaints made against Alacrity Collections, many are illegal in nature. In the complaints, it was made that Alacrity Collections attempted to collect on an already paid debt through aggressive and abusive phone calls and messages even when asked to stop. This goes against the FDCPA laws and regulations. The FDCPA states that no debt collector may use aggressive or negative tactics in an attempt to collect on a debt. They must also cease the calls and messages if you request that they stop.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Alacrity Collections?
If you or someone you know has been contacted by Alacrity Collections, it is important that you know how to defend yourself, and how to fight back against their practices. Although a debt collection agency is allowed to contact you through phone and emails, if you request a cease and desist, they must comply with your wishes. As such, make sure to state firmly that you wish for them to stop, even if they threaten to use physical harm, or attempt to threaten your well-being.
You may also look to verify the debt. This can be done by requesting a verification letter, or requesting key information that will help you link the debt. This can be items such as asking who the debt is for, as well as where the debt came from.
Another priority point that you can look towards is to hire a knowledgeable and experienced debt collection harassment attorney. Having the right debt collection harassment attorney by your side can mean the difference between understanding when a scam is going on, and when the creditor harassment is occurring. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have a team of experienced and knowledgeable debt collection harassment attorneys and lawyers that would be able to assist you in your case of getting the debt remedied.
Not only can we help you to defend against the debt collection harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.
The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations such as these:
- Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
- Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
- Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
- Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
- Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
- Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.
Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.
by Paul MankinIs Federal Adjustment Bureau, Inc. Haraassing You?
Federal Adjustment Bureau Inc. is a tenant screening and collection agency located in Columbus, Ohio. The collection agency has been in business since 1943 and also operates under the name FABCO.
Contact Information:
4640 Executive Dr
Columbus, OH 43220-3602
Phone: (614) 538-5600
The BBB reports 23 complaints against Federal Adjustment Bureau, Inc. (FABCO) in the last three years. Four consumers chose to post reviews of the debt collection agency, instead of filing complaints. These reviews contain information consistent with the complaints against the company. Most of the available complaints allege that the debt collection agency attempted to collect on a debt it could not verify, was already paid, or was past the statute of limitations for collections. Many of the consumers also stated in their complaints that customer service representatives were rude, difficult to deal with, refusing to provide them with requested information, and that they even hung up on them in the middle of the call. Failing to provide consumers with enough information to verify a debt is a violation of the law, and a debt collection agency is required to tell a consumer the name and address of the original creditor as well as the amount of the debt. If they do not do this during the initial contact, they must provide the information in writing within five days if the debt is still not paid.
49 complaints have been filed against Federal Adjustment Bureau, Inc. with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) since 2015. The CFPB is a federal agency created to help ensure that banks, lenders, and other financial companies, such as collection agencies, treat consumers fairly. These complaints allege various violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), such as:
- Failure to verify a debt
- Using obscene, profane, or abusive language
- Failing to mail proper notices to consumers
- Calling before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Contacting consumers after being asked in writing not to
- Attempting to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy
- Reporting false information to credit reporting agencies
Some of the complaints that say the credit collection agency reported false information on their credit report allege that the information actually belonged to someone else and the agency refused to remove it even after being provided with proof that it was not their debt. One consumer states in his complaint that he was unable to get a job for quite some time due to this false information on his credit report and was forced to sell family heirlooms in order to keep his bills current while attempting to repair the damage.
If Federal Adjustment Bureau, Inc. is harassing or abusing you, it is time they are held accountable for their actions. Please call our office at 1-800-219-3577, for a free, no obligation case review.
by Paul MankinSan Diego Slip and Fall Lawyer Recommendations
When in a San Diego slip and fall accident, it can sometimes be seen as small, slight, and trivial. Some may make light of your accident, saying that you are just out to get paid, and that it’s something that happens every day.
However, a San Diego slip and fall accident can lead to serious complications and injuries. No matter what anyone says, you should always be prepared to take the necessary steps after a slip and fall to keep yourself safe, and compensated. Here are 10 steps that should be taken after being in a slip and fall accident.
1. Get proper medical attention
Immediately after a San Diego slip and fall accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This may involve basic first aid to the injured area, calling an ambulance to come provide aid and transportation, or calling over a proper supervisor if you are a worker at the specific property piece. No matter who you are, or what you do, however, getting proper medical treatment should be your first priority after an accident.
2. Inspect the scene directly after the incident.
After proper medical treatment has been provided, look and inspect the scene of the accident. It is important that the incident does not repeat itself, as that will cause more injuries to pile up, and more people may be put at risk. Look around, and see if there are any misplaced or out of place issues, such as faulty tiles or flooring. Ensure that all spills and foreign substance leaks are properly labeled and sectioned off, and that any facility breaks are properly reported to the people at hand.
3. Take pictures and photos however possible.
Start to photograph and record any evidence around. In these situations, a picture is worth more than a description written down on a piece of paper. A picture of the facility that the accident took place in, a picture of the accident scene, and a picture of the surrounding areas of the scene can all be used as important documentation for later case building for a claim.
4. Get in touch with witnesses
Once all the photos are taken, and the scene has been documented properly, the next step is to get in contact with anyone that may have been a witness to the accident. This may include bystanders that had nothing to do with it, but any single person may count. They may also provide such things as video recording of the incident or live testimonies as well.
Having an eyewitness account means that a third party is able to provide a recount of what exactly happened, outside of the two or more parties that are directly involved with the case already. These kinds of testimonies can mean that evidence may be kept, or tossed out, as well.
5. Gather official reports
Gather up any reports or documents that may be linked to the case. This includes police reports, medical transcripts and documents, and any testing files, such as x-rays, MRI reports, or nerve testings. These documents that come straight from the sources are extremely difficult to alter, and as such, can provide a clear and defined overview of what occurred, as well as the state of the injuries.
6. Write everything down
Writing everything down, from the events that occurred, to any medical sessions and visits that may have transpired. Keeping an active log, as well as documented proof that events occurred, can help to keep track of the proceedings after the injury. It may also help to stave off any unwanted tampering by the other party to try to shake up your information flow, in an attempt to undermine your case.
7. Hire a San Diego slip and fall lawyer quickly
Hiring a San Diego slip and fall lawyer as soon as the injury is defined as enough for a case to be made can help to clean up the legal process, as well as define and simplify any questions you may have. The attorney can help to give clarity to the information at hand, as well as file away all reports, medical documents, and photos you may be holding on to.
They will also be able to contact and discuss terms and negotiations with the opposing parties, so that they do not get any chance to muddle the waters with you and lead you through legal loopholes to try to get you to settle for less.
8. Keep proper checkups for possible latent injuries
Not all injuries show right away. Many injuries such as vision impairment, motor sensory losses, and functional range of motion decreasing can all be symptoms of the accident, and can persist for quite some time. However, they do not always show right away. As such, make sure to document your health regularly, and look to get regular checkups to see if the minor symptoms you’re having are not a sign of worse to come.
9. Keep contact between parties strictly through your San Diego slip and fall lawyer
Ensure that your attorney is the only one to speak with the other parties involved, no matter the reason. Even if they are calling just to check up on you, or to get information out of you, any and all information given will be used to try to lower a settlement cost, and to take away some of your evidence in the case.
This goes for live meetings as well. In person negotiations should all be done through your attorney, who will be your guide and your protector from any unwanted advances or attempts to break your case.
10. Do not let your Slip and Fall Case Slip away
Although it may seem to take quite some time, do not give up on a slip and fall case. Your injury is real, and your symptoms are real as well. Do not let anyone tell you different, as you do deserve to get your pain compensated for if it were someone else’s mistake and misjudgement.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident and would like to speak with a San Diego slip and fall lawyer, contact us at 1-800-219-3577. We are experienced San Diego slip and fall lawyers and will provide you with a free case evaluation.
by Paul MankinIs Herbert P. Sears Co. Harassing You?
Herbert P. Sears Co.
Herbert P. Sears Co. (HP Sears) is a third-party debt collection agency that works with healthcare, utility, government, and financial clients. HP Sears is headquartered in Bakersfield, California.
The Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) is a government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. The CFPB has received over 100 consumer complaints regarding HP Sears’ debt collection practices. Consumers most commonly complain that HP Sears engages in the following unfair and abusive debt collection practices:
- Attempting to collect a debt that is not owed by the consumer;
- Harassing consumers by making repeated and frequent calls;
- Continuing to contact consumers after being asked to cease communication; and
- Refusing to validate or provide proof of a debt.
Creditors and debt collectors should be held accountable for these unethical and unlawful practices. If you are being harassed or subjected to any of these, deceptive, or abusive debt collection practices, it is time to hold HP Sears accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.