Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Edelman, Combs & Latturner sanctioned $18,000 for extortionate FDCPA demand letter
Anne had posted the article from the Wisconsin Law Journal in a comment, but this 7th Circuit Appeals Court decision is WAY too important to be hidden in a comment. It affirmed the $18,000 already assessed and sent the case back to the district court for even more sanctions.
Edelman, Combs & Latturner had demanded $3,000 to avoid a suit for a collection letter that allegedly contradicted and overshadowed the plaintiff’s right to dispute.
From the Wisconsin Law Journal:
“The court found that the initial letter from Riddle to Kelly was, as the district court found, “virtually identical” to the “safe haven” from language set forth in Bartlett.”
I’m as angry at Edelman as at James Morrison aka Lizardking
$2,000 for a LETTER—not a lawsuit!!!
When I talk about corrupt and greedy lawyers, THAT is what I’m talking about. It is disgusting.
How much should a lawyer get for a settlement letter?
I’d say $500 sounds about right, maybe $750? I realize that it takes TIME to finalize a settlement even if the collector immediately offers to settle. The agreement has to be signed by all parties, the check has to be processed and the plaintiff has to be updated and paid. But I just don’t see $2,000 as a reasonable fee.
Edelman, Combs & Latturner have done a lot of good work, but as I’ve previously mentioned, they are lacking COMPASSION and SINCERITY.
It’s all about profits.
What the hell were they THINKING?
The plaintiff wrote a BAD check! “Normal” people would immediately PAY. What on earth is there to sue for? I’d sure like to see that collection letter myself, but apparently there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.
The damages to Edelman, Combs & Latturner are much greater than having to pay the sanctions, they are now branded as EXTORTIONISTS in the legal community.
The 7th Circuit also considers a computer printout validation of a debt. I don’t know how that ludicrous decision came about, but I’m beginning to wonder if it wasn’t a similarly ridiculous suit.
Here’s the Wisconsin Law Journal article and don’t miss the Case Analysis linked at the bottom.
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