Being sued by a debt collector or a law firm acting on behalf of a bank can be intimidating and stressful. Many people feel overwhelmed, and some choose to ignore the lawsuit altogether, hoping it will just go away. Unfortunately, ignoring a debt collection lawsuit is one of the most damaging choices you can make.
The Consequences of Ignoring a Lawsuit
When you’re served with a lawsuit, you only have a limited time to respond—often 20 to 30 days depending on your state. If you do nothing, the creditor can proceed to get a default judgment entered against you. This means the judge assumes the collector’s claims are true without ever hearing your side of the story. Once that judgment is entered, the debt collector gains powerful legal tools to collect money from you. They may garnish your wages, take funds directly from your bank account, or even place liens on your property.
While it is possible in some cases to challenge or overturn a judgment, it is much harder and more complicated to unwind everything after the fact. Courts generally require you to show strong legal reasons—such as improper service or fraud—and the process is time-consuming, stressful, and often unsuccessful. It is almost always easier to deal with the lawsuit on the front end rather than trying to undo the damage later.
Why Responding Protects You
Responding to a debt collection lawsuit gives you important protections. It forces the collector to actually prove their case, including showing proper documentation that the debt is yours and that the amount is correct. It also preserves your legal defenses, such as whether the debt is too old under the statute of limitations or whether it was incorrectly reported. By responding, you also keep the door open to negotiate a settlement or payment plan that works for you, rather than having terms forced on you through a judgment.
The bottom line is simple: if you are sued by a debt collector or a law firm, do not ignore it. Responding quickly can make the difference between protecting your rights and facing years of financial hardship. If you’re unsure how to respond, consider reaching out to an attorney for guidance. Taking action right away is almost always far easier—and far less costly—than trying to fix things once a judgment has already been entered.
