How Are Bill Collectors Handled During the Process of Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

After you go to the hospital to get treated for an injury, it’s normal to receive a bill in the mail. But when the injury was the fault of another party and you’ve filed a personal injury lawsuit against them, you are fighting for that party to be responsible for paying your bills. Your lawsuit will take some time, though, so hospitals might send your outstanding medical bills to bill collectors.

If bill collectors are harassing you even though you are in the process of a personal injury lawsuit, then you’ll need an experienced lawyer by your side so they can properly guide you and protect your rights. The personal injury attorneys at Bey & Associates, LLC in Cincinnati will know exactly how to help you and will defend you against bill collectors.

Even though your lawyer will help you, you should also know what can and can’t be done by bill collectors in Ohio. Keep reading to find out how bill collectors are handled during the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Consumer Laws to Consider

Getting contacted by bill collectors can be stressful at any time in your life, but especially when you’re in the process of a personal injury lawsuit and dealing with healing from your injuries. Even though you will still technically owe the debt until you win your lawsuit, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Consumer Sales Practices Act of Ohio protect you from abusive debt collectors.

In order to get debt collectors to stop harassing you until your lawsuit is over, you must write them a letter asking them to stop contacting you and send the letter through certified mail so that you know the collector receives your letter.

It is important to note that this letter will not erase your debt, it will just stop the collectors from contacting you. Once your lawsuit is over, you will either have to pay the debt out of your own pocket or with your winnings if you win your case.

What Is Considered Harassment from Debt Collectors?

Under the protection of the Acts discussed above, debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you while trying to obtain money for the debt you owe them. According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, debt collectors are not allowed to use any of these practices:

• Using false names or statements
• Threatening you or your family
• Using obscene words
• Contacting you before 8 A.M. or after 9 P.M.
• Contacting you without identifying themselves
• Telling others about your debt
• Publishing the names of who you owe
• Falsely claiming that you have committed a crime
• Misrepresenting how much you owe

All of these tactics are ways to scare you, but rest assured that these practices are not allowed. In fact, if you believe a debt collector has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act by being abusive, deceptive, or unfair, you can sue them in federal or state court. Keep in mind, though, that you only have one year from the date of the violation to make a claim against them.

Bey & Associates, LLC Will Guide You Through Your Case

When you get injured at the hand of another person, you’ll want to hold them responsible for all the bills and troubles you incurred from the accident. With a personal injury lawyer from Bey & Associates, LLC, you can be sure that the person liable for your injuries will be held accountable and you’ll receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today so that we can start talking about your potential claim and get you on the path to recovery.