How Do I Find a Background Check Lawyer Near Me?
If you are searching for a background check lawyer, chances are you recently lost out on an opportunity because of errors in a screening report. Maybe you were denied a job after an employer ran your background check, turned down for an apartment by a landlord, or embarrassed when records that do not belong to you appeared in your file.
The good news is that you are on the right track. An experienced background check lawyer can help correct these mistakes and may also recover compensation for the harm they caused. In this article, we will explain when it makes sense to hire an attorney, what background check lawyers actually do, and how to choose the right lawyer for your case.
What a Background Check Lawyer Can Do for You
The first step an experienced lawyer will take is review your background report and identify any errors or inaccuracies. This could be something simple, like outdated information, or more serious, such as a criminal record that does not belong to you. These mistakes are more common than most people realize and can cause real harm.
Once errors are identified, your lawyer can help you dispute them directly with the reporting agency. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) requires background check companies to investigate disputes and correct inaccuracies. If they fail to do so, you may have a strong legal claim.
If the dispute process does not correct the errors, your lawyer can file a lawsuit under the FCRA. A successful case can allow you to recover damages for lost opportunities such as jobs, housing, or credit, along with compensation for emotional distress. The statute also provides for statutory damages of up to $1,000 for willful violations, and in some cases punitive damages.
How to Find the Best Background Check Lawyer Near You
When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with direct experience handling background check and FCRA cases. Not every consumer attorney works in this area, and you will want someone who has actually litigated against reporting agencies and the employers or landlords who rely on them.
It is also important to find an attorney who understands both the technical requirements of the FCRA and the real-world impact of these errors. A good lawyer will know how to hold background check companies accountable while also explaining the process in plain language.
Clarity on fees matters too. Because the FCRA allows recovery of attorney’s fees, many background check lawyers will handle cases on a contingency basis. This means you will not have to pay anything up front and your lawyer is only paid if your case is successful.
Be cautious of red flags such as lawyers who make sweeping promises or firms that demand large up-front payments. A trustworthy background check lawyer will focus on protecting your rights and correcting the harm caused by inaccurate reports.
Local vs. National – Does Location Matter?
Many people search for a “background check lawyer near me,” but you may not need someone right in your town. The FCRA is a federal law, which means it applies the same way across the country. If there are not many local attorneys handling background check cases, you may be able to work with an out-of-state lawyer who partners with local counsel licensed in your state.
There can still be benefits to hiring someone nearby. A local attorney may know your state’s additional consumer protection laws, which sometimes provide remedies beyond the FCRA. They will also be familiar with the local courts and procedures, which can make your case smoother.
The bottom line is that experience with background check and FCRA litigation matters more than geography. Whether the lawyer is based near you or across the country, the key is finding someone who focuses on this area of law.
Taking Action
Errors in background checks are not just frustrating, they can change the course of your life. The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner you can correct the mistakes and hold the reporting company accountable. The FCRA was written to give you the right to accurate reporting and to make sure the companies that fail in that responsibility bear the costs.
At Reznik Consumer Law, we help people enforce their rights under the FCRA and related consumer protection laws. If you are ready to explore your options and take control of your future, reach out today for a consultation.