How to Resolve a Debt With Lake Area Collections

Hannah Locklear | August 18, 2023

Dealing with debt can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. When faced with a debt that has been handed over to a collection agency like Lake Area Collections, it's important to approach the situation strategically and proactively.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to resolve a debt with Lake Area Collections and how to take control of your financial situation and work towards a positive resolution.

Sued by Lake Area Collections? Use SoloSettle to settle your debt for good.

What is Lake Area Collections?

Lake Area Collections is a debt collection agency based out of Lake Charles, LA that specializes in medical debt collections. In business for nearly two decades, Lake Area Collections is a reputable agency that many clients trust to take care of their collections needs.

Lake Area Collections is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Despite its positive BBB rating, Lake Area Collections has received several complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Burea’s consumer complaint database. Many of the complaints claim that Lake Area Collections fails to validate debts upon request and often contacts consumers about medical debts that are already paid or are invalid.

As a consumer, you have a right to know about the supposed debt you owe. You can request a debt validation to get debt collectors off your back.

Make Lake Area Collections validate your debt

The first step in resolving any debt is to gain a clear understanding of what you owe. Contact Lake Area Collections to request detailed information about the debt. Ask for a breakdown of the original amount, any accrued interest or fees, and the dates of the debt. This information will help you verify the legitimacy of the debt and ensure that you are being treated fairly.

It's crucial to verify that the debt belongs to you and that it is within the statute of limitations for collection in your jurisdiction. Collection agencies are required to provide proof that you owe the debt. Send a Debt Validation Letter to formally request written validation of the debt. Lake Area Collections should respond with a copy of the original creditor's agreement and details of the debt's history. If they fail to provide this information, you may have grounds to dispute the debt.

Below is the contact info for Lake Area Collections:

Address: 3109 Common Street, Suite 104, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: 337-494-7475
Email: lakeareacollections@yahoo.com

Settle your debt with Lake Area Collections before going to court

In some cases, you may have the opportunity to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed, also known as a debt settlement. Debt settlement is a great option for resolving your debt with Lake Area Collections, and you might be able to negotiate a reduced payment in exchange for closing the account. Be prepared to offer a lump sum payment or propose a reasonable payment plan that you can afford.

Negotiating with a collection agency requires careful consideration and preparation. Start by offering a realistic percentage, typically around 60%, of the total debt as a settlement amount. If Lake Are Collections counteroffers, be prepared to negotiate further. Keep in mind that collection agencies purchase debts for less than the original amount, so they may be open to reasonable offers.

In exchange for a lump-sum payment, Lake Area Collections should drop any legal claims against you and release you from the remaining balance.

To learn more about how to settle a debt with Lake Area Collections, check out this video:

If you come to an agreement with Lake Area Collections, it's essential to get the terms in writing before making any payments. The agreement should outline the settled amount, the payment schedule, and any conditions for removing the debt from your credit report. Make sure you fully understand the terms before proceeding.

Respond to a debt lawsuit

If you get sued for debt, the first step you should take is to respond to the lawsuit before your state’s deadline.

To respond to a debt lawsuit, you have to draft and file an Answer into the case. In your Answer, you should:

• Respond to each claim against you.
• Assert your affirmative defenses.

SoloSuit can help you draft and file a customized Answer to your debt lawsuit in minutes and increase your chances of winning. Our software helps you create a personalized response to your debt case. All you have to do is respond to a series of questions about your case, and an Answer document will be generated for you.

Your Answer will be properly formatted, contain appropriate legal language, address all the claims against you, and include a section for your affirmative defenses.

To learn more about how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in your state, read our guide:

How to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection - The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Stand up for your rights

Finally, it's important to remember that you have rights when dealing with debt collectors like Lake Area Collections. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and similar laws provide consumer protections against abusive or unfair practices. Research your rights and consult legal resources if you believe your rights are being violated.

Resolving a debt with Lake Area Collections requires patience, diligence, and careful communication. By understanding your debt, verifying its legitimacy, and negotiating effectively, you can work towards a resolution that alleviates your financial burden. Remember that seeking professional financial advice or legal assistance can provide you with valuable insights and guidance throughout the process. And best of all, SoloSuit can help you respond to debt collectors without having to hire an attorney.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
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Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

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• Sherman Financial Group
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Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

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