In a legal battle that underscores the complexities of debt collection practices, Brian Corbett has filed a lawsuit against Midland Credit Management, Inc., alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The complaint was lodged in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on November 13, 2024. Corbett accuses Midland Credit Management of providing false and misleading information regarding his alleged debts to credit reporting agencies.
The plaintiff, Brian Corbett, represented by J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC with attorneys Joshua P. Ward and Travis A. Gordon leading the charge, argues that Midland Credit Management falsely reported a disputed debt to TransUnion as being in collection. This action allegedly misrepresented the character and legal status of the debt in violation of FDCPA sections 1692e(2)(a) and 1692e(8). According to court documents, on October 11, 2024, despite previous disputes over the validity of the debt, Midland Credit Management updated Corbett's credit report inaccurately reflecting an ongoing collection status.
Corbett's complaint details a series of events beginning with Midland Credit Management filing a civil complaint against him on September 10, 2024. In response, Corbett engaged J.P. Ward & Associates to defend his case and formally disputed the alleged debts through a letter dated September 19, 2024. The letter explicitly denied any financial obligation to Midland Credit Management and requested cessation of direct communication with Corbett while demanding proof of liability for any claimed debts.
Despite these efforts, it is alleged that Midland Credit Management continued to communicate inaccurate credit information without acknowledging its disputed nature. This led to further claims under FDCPA for harassment and abuse due to their failure to correct or delete incorrect tradelines from credit reports following a judgment in favor of Corbett on November 6, 2024.
Corbett seeks monetary damages including actual damages for emotional distress caused by these actions along with statutory damages as permitted under FDCPA provisions. Additionally, he requests coverage for attorney fees and other costs associated with bringing this action forward.
Representing Brian Corbett are attorneys Joshua P. Ward and Travis A. Gordon from J.P. Ward & Associates LLC based in Pittsburgh. The presiding judge over initial proceedings was Magisterial District Judge Richard W. Luther Jr., with Case ID CVPDD008S252F093-.