The hard part is done
Lawsuits will never be stress-free but they can be less stressful
Lately, I’ve been writing about a lot of the technical aspects of defending people who were getting sued in collections cases. Of course, the legal principles, litigation techniques, and economically resolving the case are all important.
But the emotional and psychological impact of being sued is an often-overlooked factor. One of the most valuable things that a good lawyer does is provide a sense of calm and ease to a client. Recently, I settled a case against American Express on behalf of a client whom I will call Marty (not his real name).
At the end of his case, he agreed to let me share his testimonial:
“The hard part is done. I’m not sure I could have negotiated a repayment schedule with a relatively manageable monthly sum like this on my own, and it gave me peace of mind that someone competent was handling the case during a really bad period for me personally. It really was a life low point. But I can safely say that my own financial situation is improving every week! I really appreciate your help and will keep you in mind in case something similar comes up again.”
It’s not just about the dollars. Original creditors such as American Express, Discover Bank, and Capital One all drive hard bargains because they have the original documentation and the witnesses to back it up.
Although dismissals in original creditor lawsuits are rare and the settlements are not as spectacular as in the debt-buyer cases, it still makes sense to hire a lawyer. Not only do you want to get the best deal that is possible, but you want somebody who knows what they’re doing taking responsibility for the results of your lawsuit. It simply is not the best use of your time and talents to flounder around in a lawsuit when you can find someone who can help ease the burden.
Are you interested in reading more Defense by Davis posts like this one? Subscribe to my Substack account today! For immediate needs, click here to contact me directly.