A letter or call from a law firm like Suttell & Hammer can trigger immediate stress. Your mind races with questions about lawsuits, your finances, and your rights. This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explain who they are, what your legal protections are, and how to strategically navigate and potentially settle a debt collection action. You have more power in this situation than you may think.
If you are facing aggressive collection tactics, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC provides free, confidential case reviews to help you understand your options.
Is Suttell and Hammer Legit?
Yes, Suttell & Hammer is a legitimate law firm licensed to practice debt collection law in the states where they operate. They are a real entity with physical offices and attorneys admitted to state bar associations. Their legitimacy, however, is strictly a matter of their legal authorization to operate. It is not an endorsement of their tactics or a guarantee that their claim against you is valid or unassailable.
Just as their legitimacy is defined by their adherence to bar rules, your security is defined by your adherence to your rights under federal consumer protection law. Their official standing requires them to follow procedure, just as your legal standing empowers you to demand it.
Who Are Suttell & Hammer Attorneys at Law?
Suttell & Hammer Attorneys at Law is a firm that primarily practices creditor-side debt collection litigation. They represent banks, credit card companies, student loan providers, and debt buyers in legal actions to recover consumer debts. When you see their name, it typically means a creditor has escalated an account from internal collections to the legal department.
The Types of Cases They Handle:
Credit card debt lawsuits
Collection of unpaid personal loans
Medical debt collection (often on behalf of debt buyers)
Other consumer debt litigation
Their role is that of an advocate for the creditor, not a neutral arbiter. This is a crucial distinction that shapes every interaction.
Why Is Suttell & Hammer Calling Me?
Suttell & Hammer is calling or writing to you because a creditor has placed an alleged debt with them for collection, often with the intent to file a lawsuit. This contact is the beginning of a formal legal process. The call serves to notify you of the debt and to gauge your response, which informs their next step, often a lawsuit if they believe the debt is collectible.
Common Contact Patterns:
Letters on Law Firm Letterhead: Designed to convey seriousness and prompt a response.
Persistent Phone Calls: May come from different numbers and occur daily.
Vague Voicemails: May state the call is “urgent” and “regarding a legal matter” to ensure you call back without disclosing details to unintended third parties.
Do not ignore the contact, but do not negotiate blindly over the phone. Verbally state you wish to communicate only in writing. Then, send a written debt validation request via certified mail. This triggers their legal obligation to prove the debt is yours and they have the right to collect it. The (CFPB) provides guidelines on this right.
Suttell and Hammer Debt Collector Practices & Common Complaints
Understanding common practices and complaints reveals where their aggressive pursuit often clashes with consumer rights. Suttell and Hammer complaints frequently center on patterns that feel intimidating or cross legal lines.
Complaint 1: Ignored Settlement Attempts
I tried to settle my account with Suttell & Hammer and even agreed to a counteroffer through the original creditor, but the firm stopped responding and provided no payment instructions. Their lack of communication has prevented me from resolving the lawsuit voluntarily.
Complaint 2: Garnishment Without Proper Notice
My family paid the alleged balance, yet Suttell & Hammer still garnished wages and failed to send release paperwork. We received little prior notice, and attempts to fix the issue were met with rude and unhelpful responses.
Complaint 3: Poor Communication and Questionable Practices
Repeated calls and emails to Suttell & Hammer went unanswered for years, while legal action and garnishment were pursued in the wrong location or against the wrong person. These actions raise serious concerns about verification, communication, and compliance with consumer protection laws.
Source: BBB Complaints
Facing a Suttell and Hammer Lawsuit
A Suttell and Hammer lawsuit is a serious escalation. The complaint filed in court seeks a legal judgment against you. The consequences of a judgment can include wage garnishment, bank account levies, and liens on property.
Step 1: DO NOT IGNORE THE SUMMONS.
You will have a deadline (often 20-30 days) to file a formal Answer with the court. Failure to Answer results in a default judgment against you. This is the worst possible outcome, as it grants them everything they asked for without a fight.
Step 2: File an Answer.
The Answer is your response to each allegation in the complaint. You can admit, deny, or state you lack sufficient knowledge. Denying claims forces them to prove their case.
Step 3: Engage in Discovery.
This is the pre-trial evidence exchange. You can demand they produce the contract, full payment history, and proof of ownership (chain of title). Flaws here are common and can derail their case.
The stress of a lawsuit is immense. Having an attorney file the Answer and manage discovery protects you from fatal procedural errors and builds immediate leverage. Contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC if you have been served.
How to Negotiate a Settlement with Suttell & Hammer
Settlement is a business negotiation. Your goal is to resolve the debt for less than the full amount while avoiding a judgment. Your leverage increases significantly once you’ve filed an Answer and challenged their evidence.
Effective Settlement Strategies:
Base Your Offer on Leverage: If their case is weak (e.g., missing documentation), start with a low lump-sum offer (30-40%). If stronger, 50-60% is common.
Propose a Payment Plan: If a lump sum isn’t possible, offer a structured plan. Get the terms in writing first.
Negotiate Credit Reporting: Seek to have the account reported as “Paid in Full” or, ideally, deleted from your credit report.
The Non-Negotiable: Get It in Writing. Never pay based on a phone promise. The settlement agreement must state the amount, the terms, and that it satisfies the debt in full and will result in a dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice.
Making a Suttell and Hammer Payment
If you reach a settlement, how you pay is critical for security and proof.
Secure Payment Methods:
Cashier’s Check or Money Order: Sent via certified mail with tracking. Do not send personal checks.
Electronic Payment Only with a Written Agreement: If wiring funds or using an online portal, ensure the agreement is signed first.
Documentation Is Your Proof of Settlement:
The signed settlement agreement.
Proof of payment (receipt, cleared check copy, transaction ID).
The filed notice of dismissal from the court once they fulfill their obligation.
Official Suttell & Hammer Contact Information
If you need to contact them, use official channels and document all interactions.
Suttell & Hammer Contact Overview
| Method | Details | Best Practice Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Number | 1-888-788-8355 | Call only if necessary. Prefer written communication. Record the date, time, and summary of any call. |
| Mailing Address | Typically: 100 Westminster St, Providence, RI, or other office locations. | Always use certified mail for debt validation, cease & desist, or settlement letters. Keep your return receipt. |
| Office Hours | Typically standard business hours (e.g., 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET). | Calling during these hours may yield a direct response, but written correspondence creates a permanent record. |
Only use contact information from their official website or the formal court documents you receive. Scammers impersonate law firms. Verify by cross-referencing with your state’s bar association.
How Consumer Rights Law Firm Can Help You
Facing a well-resourced law firm alone is an unfair fight. A firm like Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC specializes in balancing the scales. We don’t see you as a debtor; we see you as a rights-holder facing potential violations.
We Provide:
Immediate Harassment Relief: Once we represent you, all calls must stop. We become your sole point of contact.
Strategic Lawsuit Defense: We file Answers, challenge defective evidence through discovery, and identify violations that can become counterclaims.
Powerful Negotiation Leverage: We negotiate from a position of strength, using procedural flaws and FDCPA violations to secure settlements that purely financial negotiators cannot.
Pursuit of Your Claims: If your rights were violated, we can seek statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation) and actual damages, potentially offsetting or exceeding what you owe.
As Suttell & Hammer represents the creditor’s financial interests, we represent your legal interests and your financial future. Their legal pressure is met with our legal defense.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC offers experienced guidance to protect your rights, stop harassment, and work toward a resolution on your terms. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Success Stories
- I worked with Scott and he was an absolute pleasure! He was very swift, honest, resourceful, helpful. He reassured me that I would never be asked for any money out of my pocket. His assistance with settling my case lifted a huge weight off my shoulders! Thank you so much, Scott! God bless!
- The law firm is highly regarded for its dedication to safeguarding individuals’ rights and its personalized, genuine-care approach to legal support. Attorney Derek possesses exceptional skill and extensive experience in handling consumer rights cases, while Matthew and Scott approach their work with patience and attentiveness, carefully explaining each step of the legal process to clients. I strongly endorse this firm as a trusted and compassionate resource for those seeking assistance with consumer rights matters.
- Scott was amazing and very professional! He was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything and answer my questions. We were dealing with a very unprofessional debt collector. Im thankful I looked into our rights and what we could do and found Consumer Rights Law Firm. Dont ever let a debt collector try to bully you and tell you that you have no rights because you do!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I ignore a letter from Suttell & Hammer?
No. Ignoring their demand letter is the fastest way to get sued. Respond with a written debt validation request within 30 days to force them to prove their case.
2. What happens if I lose a lawsuit to them?
They will obtain a court judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment, bank account levies, liens on property, and negative impacts on your credit for years.
3. Are Suttell & Hammer settlements negotiable?
Absolutely. Most debt collection lawsuits end in settlement. The amount is highly negotiable, especially if you have legal representation or can identify weaknesses in their case.
4. Should I call the Suttell & Hammer phone number on the letter?
You can, but be prepared. Do not admit to the debt or make payment arrangements without first getting the full agreement in writing. It is often safer to have an attorney communicate for you.
5. Can they sue me for an old debt?
They can try. However, debts have a statute of limitations. If the debt is time-barred, you have an absolute defense. A lawyer can help you determine if this applies.
6. What if the debt isn’t mine?
You must state this in your written dispute and in your formal Answer to any lawsuit. They bear the legal burden of proof. Do not ignore the case hoping they will figure out the error.
7. How long does the lawsuit process take?
From filing to potential trial, it can take 6 months to over a year. The pre-trial phase is where most settlements occur.
8. Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a debt collection case?
Yes. An attorney ensures your rights are protected, finds flaws in the collector’s case, and typically negotiates a settlement that saves you money and prevents a judgment, often offsetting the cost of representation.
9. Can Suttell & Hammer have me arrested?
No. Debtor’s prison is illegal in the United States. Threats of arrest are a violation of the FDCPA.
10. Where should I report harassment?
You can report violations to the CFPB and your state Attorney General. For immediate protection and to build a legal case, working with a consumer rights law firm is the most effective step, as they can use these violations to help you directly.