Debt Collectors Harass Woman During Husband’s Death
I’m currently representing a client against a rather large debt collector in Ohio that sunk to a new low. In the middle of November this client unfortunately watched her husband’s health deteriorate before her eyes. To make matters worse, during this trying time she was being contacted by the debt collector. She explained that her Husband currently didn’t have any income because he was disabled and was only receiving disability income. Additionally, she explained to the collector that her husband was mortally ill in the hospital and asked for the calls to stop so she could spend her final days with her husband in peace. In response, the collection agency began abusing her and told her that her husband’s death was not an excuse not to pay. Additionally, the collector told her that if she didn’t pay the debt they would freeze her bank account and garnish the husbands disability checks (which they can’t). Its no surprise that the client hung up on the harassing debt collector. She explained to me that losing money wasn’t as important as spending her husband’s final days with him.
A few days later, her husband’s health significantly deteriorated. It was clear to everyone involved that this day would be her husband’s last. On this day the debt collector struck again. When she picked up her phone and realized it was a debt collector, she kindly asked the collector to call her back because her husband was in the process of passing away. An important note is that she only answered the call because she believed it was a family member she had previously called to inform them of her husbands imminent passing.
She informed the debt collector of the situation and the debt collector rudely told her that her husband’s death was no excuse to avoid the payment of debt. She began weeping on the telephone and despite what you’d expect, this didn’t end the harassment. Unfortunately, the client’s husband passed away very shortly after this telephone call.
Look, I get it; people need to pay their bills. However, sometimes situations arise that preclude the payment. My client wasn’t trying to avoid the debt, she was simply preoccupied with her Husband’s passing. All too frequently debt collectors neglect to realize that there is a real person on the receiving end of the telephone call. I admit that when I was a collector I sometimes acted in ways I regret. However, I can say with absolute honesty, I never belittled or harassed anyone; not to mention while the love of their life was being taken from them. I don’t know who the individual debt collector was on this case, but I can tell you this; I look forward to meeting him at a deposition.
If you or anyone you know is being harassed by debt collectors, have them contact us. As the largest Nationwide Fair Collection Law firm in the Country we take pride in handing these debt collectors exactly what they deserve; termination notices.
Jeffrey Hyslip
