Debt Collector Prevails In Lawsuit Tied To 2 Words
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — Is there a difference between the words "of" and "after?" A federal court says no, at least not in a dispute between a Detroit man and a debt collector.
Carl Wallace filed a lawsuit against Diversified Consultants, accusing the company of violating a federal law because of the wording of a debt notice related to a $2,000 phone bill.
Wallace was asked to respond within 30 days "of" receiving a notice. But the law covering debt collections says people have 30 days to respond "after" getting a notice.
So what? Indeed, that's what an appeals court said Wednesday in affirming the dismissal of a class-action lawsuit in Detroit federal court. The court doubts that anyone who got the letter was confused.
Attorney Brian Parker of Bingham Farms was seeking thousands of dollars.
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