Best Tips for Negotiating with Suttell and Hammer

Summary: Sued for a debt by Suttell and Hammer Services? This guide is for you. Use SoloSuit to respond in 15 minutes. Negotiate with Suttell and Hammer by knowing your debt, responding fast, starting with a low offer, expecting counteroffers, and getting the deal in writing.

If you were sued by Suttell and Hammer for an alleged delinquent debt, it is important not to give up hope. You also need to make sure you do not simply accept the allegations in Suttell and Hammer's Complaint as fact. You have legal rights and protections when subjected to a collections lawsuit and there are in fact affirmative defenses that can be raised to prevail against the debt collector in court.

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Who is Suttell and Hammer and why are they suing me?

If you are served with a lawsuit by a representative from Suttell and Hammer, you might be asking yourself, “Who is Suttell and Hammer?” Well, they are a law firm focused primarily on representing large financial institutions. For example, Suttell and Hammer has handled collection actions on behalf of large banks like Discover and Bank of America.

Suttell and Hammer will get involved when a borrower is unable to pay back a credit card, an auto loan, a mortgage, etc. At that point, the bank will retain the services of Suttell and Hammer who will in turn file a collections lawsuit against the borrower.

Be proactive and respond to the Suttell and Hammer collections lawsuit

If you were sued by Suttell and Hammer, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of going to court and litigating against a big law firm. Do not fret. If you are proactive and take some simple steps to respond to the collections lawsuit, there is a good chance you could wind up negotiating an out-of-court settlement or actually prevailing in court. SoloSuit is here to help guide you through the process.

If you get served with a Summons and Complaint, it is critically important to not only respond to the lawsuit, but to file your response with your court in a timely manner.

Responding to the Complaint sets you apart from the majority of consumers who are sued by a debt collection company. This is because one of the most common mistakes made by consumers sued by a debt collection company is failing to actually respond to the Summons and Complaint. Whether you actually owe the debt or believe you are being sued by mistake, filing a response (i.e. an “Answer”) allows you to highlight any deficiencies in the Complaint. It also buys you time to contact Suttell and Hammer and negotiate debt settlement.

SoloSuit makes it simple to respond the right way.

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Use these expert tips to negotiate with Suttell and Hammer

Debt law firms like Suttell & Hammer will work with you. If you've experience unexpected financial struggles and find yourself unable to pay your debts, work with Suttell and Hammer to negotiate the debt outside of court and come to an agreement.

We asked a real attorney to provide these valuable tips on how to effectively negotiate with Suttell and Hammer. The attorney shared insights based on extensive experience dealing with debt collectors, highlighting practical strategies that consumers can use to reach favorable settlements. This guidance helps demystify the negotiation process and empowers individuals to handle their debt issues with confidence.

When negotiating with Suttell and Hammer, or any debt collection law firm, be strategic and well-prepared. Here are some expert tips from an attorney to help you navigate the process:

Understand Your Debt: Before entering negotiations, thoroughly understand the details of your debt. Confirm the total amount owed, the interest rates, and any potential fees. Knowing the exact figures will give you a stronger position when negotiating.
Start Low with Your Offer: Debt collectors often purchase debts for a fraction of their original amount. This means they may be willing to settle for less than the full amount. Begin negotiations with a low offer, around 30-50% of the debt value. This leaves room for counteroffers and increases the likelihood of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
Communicate in Writing: Always communicate your settlement offers in writing. This creates a clear record of your negotiations and ensures that there is no miscommunication about the terms of the settlement. Use certified mail to send your offers so you have proof of delivery.
Use a Third-Party Service: Consider using a third-party service like SoloSettle, which can handle the negotiation process for you. This can protect your personal information and reduce the stress of dealing with aggressive debt collectors directly.
Be Prepared for Counteroffers: Debt collectors will often counter your initial offer. Be prepared to negotiate back and forth several times before reaching an agreement. Each round of negotiation brings you closer to a final settlement that works for both parties.
Get Everything in Writing: Once a settlement is reached, ensure that you get the debt settlement agreement in writing before making any payments. This document should clearly state the terms of the settlement, including the amount to be paid and the deadline for payment.
Protect Your Financial Information: Be cautious about sharing your personal financial information with debt collectors. Services like SoloSettle can act as an intermediary, ensuring your information remains secure while facilitating the settlement process.

By following these tips, you can effectively negotiate with Suttell and Hammer and work towards a favorable debt settlement. Remember, the goal is to reach an agreement that alleviates your financial burden while simultaneously satisfying the debt. For more information on negotiating with Suttell and Hammer, check out our conversation with an attorney in the following video:

Failure to respond to the Complaint could lead to a default judgment against you

One of the key reasons why filing an Answer to the Complaint is so important is because failing to do so could enable Suttell and Hammer to obtain a default judgment against you. If the Court enters a default judgement against you, the situation will only get worse. Why? Because a default judgment means that Suttell and Hammer will be empowered to take the following actions:

Garnish your wages;
Take money from your bank account;
Seize your personal property; and
Collect attorney's fees and court costs.

Check the statute of limitations on your debt

Many debt collectors assume that consumers will not actually respond to their lawsuit. As a result, many debt collectors operate a volume practice where they file hundreds, or even thousands, of debt collection lawsuits. Given the significant number of lawsuits that are filed, there are many instances when the debt collection company neglects to take the time to confirm whether they can legally sue you for the debt. Bear in mind that if the applicable statute of limitations expired, the debt collector is barred from suing you on the debt. In most states, a debt collector only has a finite amount of time to sue you for an alleged delinquent debt.

If it turns out that the statute of limitations expired, you can raise it as an affirmative defense that could enable you to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit entirely.

Read Suttell and Hammer reviews online

Suttell and Hammer has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2019 and has a current A+ score (the highest score possible with the BBB). However, it earned only one out of five stars on its customer reviews. You can also read consumer comments about Suttell and Hammer that have been submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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Takeaways for what to do when sued by Suttell and Hammer

Here is what you need to do if you receive a debt collection notice or debt collection lawsuit from Suttell and Hammer:

If you do not recognize or have no idea why you are being pursued for the outstanding debt, be sure to file a formal dispute with the three major credit bureaus (i.e. Transunion, Equifax, and Experian).
Take note of any phone calls made before 8:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M, any phone calls made to your place of work, and any use of vulgar or inappropriate language.
Make sure to file your Answer to the Summons and Complaint in a timely manner.
In your Answer, make sure to raise affirmative defenses like the statute of limitations and demanding that the debt collection company provide proof of the specific amount owed.
Consider filing a counterclaim for any violations committed by Suttell and Hammer of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Contact Suttell and Hammer to negotiate debt settlement. Be honest about your situation and expect to receive several counter offers before you reach an agreement to settle the debt.

Best of Luck!

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Frequently asked questions about Suttell and Hammer

What is Suttell and Hammer?

Suttell & Hammer, P.S. is a debt collection law firm based in Bellevue, Washington, that represents creditors and debt buyers in consumer collection lawsuits. The firm operates primarily across the Pacific Northwest and also practices in California under the name Suttell, Hammer & White, APC. Suttell & Hammer files a high volume of credit card and consumer debt cases each year.

Who does Suttell and Hammer represent?

Suttell and Hammer represents major credit card issuers and banks, including Discover, Bank of America, Capital One, and American Express, as well as debt buyers who purchase charged-off accounts. The named plaintiff on the Complaint identifies the actual party suing you, while Suttell and Hammer serves as the outside law firm pursuing the case on that creditor's behalf.

Is Suttell and Hammer a legitimate law firm?

Yes, Suttell & Hammer, P.S. is a legitimate, licensed law firm registered to practice in Washington and other states where it files lawsuits. The firm is subject to state bar oversight and federal and state debt collection laws. However, consumers have filed complaints regarding its collection practices with the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Where is Suttell and Hammer located?

Suttell & Hammer, P.S. is headquartered at 1450 114th Avenue SE, Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98004. The firm files lawsuits across Washington and the Pacific Northwest and maintains a California practice under the Suttell, Hammer & White name. Lawsuits are generally filed in the consumer's home county, so the court listed on your summons may differ from the firm's main office location.

How do I contact Suttell and Hammer?

Suttell and Hammer can be reached by phone at 425-455-8220 during regular business hours, and written correspondence can be mailed to its Bellevue, Washington office. Send all debt validation requests and disputes by certified mail with return receipt requested to create a record. If a lawsuit has been filed, contact the attorney of record listed on the Complaint.

What should I do if Suttell and Hammer is suing me?

If Suttell and Hammer has filed a lawsuit against you, file a written Answer with the court before your state's deadline. In Washington, you generally have 20 days to respond if served in state. Deny each allegation, raise affirmative defenses such as expired statute of limitations and lack of standing, and serve a copy on Suttell and Hammer to prevent a default judgment.

Will Suttell and Hammer settle a debt for less than I owe?

Yes, Suttell and Hammer routinely settles debts for less than the full balance, especially when the underlying client is a debt buyer who purchased the account at a discount. The firm negotiates within the authority granted by its clients. Settlement leverage increases significantly after you file a written Answer demanding documentation, since a contested case creates litigation costs for the plaintiff.

How do I negotiate with Suttell and Hammer?

To negotiate with Suttell and Hammer, first file your Answer to preserve your rights, then submit a written settlement offer to the attorney of record. Lump-sum offers typically receive better terms than payment plans, often settling in the 30% to 60% range depending on whether the plaintiff is a creditor or debt buyer. Always get any agreement in writing before sending payment.

How do I make a payment to Suttell and Hammer?

Suttell and Hammer accepts payments through its online portal, by phone, and by mail to its Bellevue office. Before paying, confirm the debt is within your state's statute of limitations and verify that the firm can produce documentation proving you owe the amount claimed. If you are settling, make sure the settlement terms are documented in writing before you send any funds.

Can Suttell and Hammer garnish my wages?

Suttell and Hammer can garnish wages only after winning a judgment against you in court. In Washington, wage garnishment is generally limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 35 times the state minimum wage, whichever is less. Filing a timely Answer to prevent a default judgment is the most reliable way to avoid wage garnishment.

What is the statute of limitations on debts collected by Suttell and Hammer?

The statute of limitations depends on the state where the lawsuit is filed. Washington applies a 6-year limit on written contracts and 3 years on open accounts such as some credit cards, while California applies a 4-year limit. The clock runs from the date of last payment or account activity. Expired statute of limitations is a complete affirmative defense in your written Answer.

Can a Suttell and Hammer lawsuit be dismissed?

Yes, lawsuits filed by Suttell and Hammer are regularly dismissed when the firm cannot produce required documentation, including the original signed credit agreement, account statements, and the complete chain of custody for debts purchased from another party. Filing a written Answer that demands proof of standing, denies each allegation, and asserts expired statute of limitations creates the strongest position for dismissal.

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