Dealing with a lawsuit can be intimidating, especially when it involves a company you have likely never heard of suing you for debt collection. If you are being sued by Rausch Sturm LLP in Texas, you must understand that you have legal rights and options. Our Texas debt defense lawyers discuss what to know about Rausch Sturm LLP and what you can do if facing a Rausch Sturm lawsuit.
Is Rausch Sturm a Legitimate Company?
Yes, Rausch Sturm LLP is legitimate. It is not a scam company. It is a debt collection law firm.
Who Is Rausch Sturm LLP?
Rausch Sturm LLP is a debt collection law firm that represents creditors and debt buyers in various types of collection actions, including litigation. The law firm was formerly known as Rausch Sturm Israel Enerson & Hornik LLP or RSIEH.
It is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, but it works with banks, creditors, and debt collectors across the country, helping them to collect defaulted debts. The firm pursues various types of debt on behalf of its clients, including credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and other forms of consumer debt.
Is Rausch Sturm a Debt Collector?
Yes, Rausch Sturm LLP is a debt collector. It is licensed as a collection agency in multiple states. Texas does not require debt collectors to have a license. However, Texas does require debt collectors to purchase and file a surety bond with the Texas Office of the Secretary of State. Rausch Sturm LLP has had an active surety bond in Texas since 2009 and is bonded with Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America.
However, Rausch Sturm’s role is to collect the alleged debts on behalf of its clients. It does not own the debt it pursues. It is a law firm that represents creditors and debt collectors in lawsuits. Therefore, if Rausch Sturm LLP is suing you, it is doing so on behalf of an original creditor or a debt buyer that believes you owe a debt.
Who Does Rausch Sturm Collect for in Texas?
Rausch Sturm LLP is a national collection law firm that primarily works for large creditors and debt buyers throughout the United States. Its clients often include banks, credit card companies, debt buyers, and other consumer lenders. This debt collection agency assists these companies in collecting by filing lawsuits against consumers who have allegedly defaulted on their financial obligations.
At Warren & Migliaccio, we have written guides for many of the creditors and debt collectors Rausch Sturm LLP represents in Texas. You can learn more about each company by clicking the links below:
- American Express Company
- Conn Appliances, Inc.
- Crown Asset Management, LLC
- Discover Bank
- Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC
- Galaxy International Purchasing, LLC
- Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
- Second Round Sub, LLC
- Synchrony Bank
- TD Bank, USA, N.A. also known as Target National Bank
- Velocity Investments, LLC
What Do I Do if Rausch Sturm Sues Me for Debt Collection?
If you receive a summons, complaint, or notice that Rausch Sturm LLP is suing you for debt collection, it is crucial that you act promptly and follow these steps:
Do Not Ignore the Collection Lawsuit
Ignoring the lawsuit will not make it go away. In fact, it will likely lead to a default judgment against you. A default judgment would mean the court automatically rules in favor of Rausch Sturm’s client. A default judgment could lead to bank account garnishment, property liens, or property seizure.
Consult With an Experienced Debt Defense Attorney
While facing a debt collection lawsuit may seem intimidating and overwhelming, remember you have rights and legal options. We recommend discussing your situation with our firm’s debt collection defense lawyer. We have significant success in helping Texans reach favorable case resolutions in collection cases.
At Warren & Migliaccio, we can help you understand the best legal options for your situation. We can help you understand the claims against you, verify the legitimacy of the debt, and explore potential defenses. Depending on your financial situation, we can also help you explore the possibility of bankruptcy to achieve a fresh start.
Respond to the Lawsuit
In order to avoid a default judgment, you must respond to the lawsuit within a certain amount of time. Your debt defense attorney can help you prepare your legal response or Answer. The response should be filed with the court overseeing the case, and a copy should be sent to Rausch Sturm LLP.
You typically have 20 days from the date you received the lawsuit notice to respond, but this can vary depending on the court. If a Justice of the Peace Court handles the case, you only have 14 days to file your response.
Negotiate a Settlement or Fight the Case
When faced with a debt collection lawsuit from Rausch Sturm LLP, you have two primary options: negotiating a settlement or fighting the case in court. Your debt defense attorney can guide you on the best approach based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Settlement
Negotiating a settlement may be in your best interest, depending on your circumstances. If Rausch Sturm LLP has a strong case against you, you may be able to reach a settlement that reduces the amount you owe. In many cases, debt collectors are open to negotiating a settlement agreement with a payment plan because it guarantees them at least some payment without spending time and resources going to court.
Challenging the Lawsuit
In certain situations, challenging the debt collection lawsuit in court may be in your best interest. If there are weaknesses in Rausch Sturm’s case against you, you may consider fighting it.
For example, examples of common weaknesses in debt collection cases include, but are not limited to:
- Incorrect amount of debt
- Expired statute of limitations
- Mistaken identity
- Identity theft
Schedule a Consultation With Our Texas Debt Collection Defense Attorneys
Our debt collection defense lawyers help individuals across the state of Texas navigate and resolve collection lawsuits from creditors and debt collectors. If Rausch Sturm LLP is suing you, we encourage you to reach out to our law office to discuss your options for putting the legal action behind you.
During a consultation, we are happy to answer your questions, discuss your next steps for moving forward, and how we can help you. Call us at (888) 584-9614 or submit our online contact form, and we will contact you about your case soon.