Background Check Errors
Background check errors can cost you a job, housing, or insurance approval. These mistakes may include outdated records, mixed files, or even criminal history that does not belong to you. We investigate the source of the error, dispute it with the background check company, and take legal action when necessary to protect your reputation and future opportunities.
Your Rights
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Florida consumer protection laws, you have the right to:
Receive a copy of your background check report.
Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information.
Have verified errors corrected or removed promptly (generally within 30 days).
Be notified if background check information is used against you.
Seek compensation if a company willfully or negligently fails to correct errors.
Possible Damages
If a background check company or employer fails to correct errors, you may be entitled to:
Lost wages or income from missed job opportunities.
Costs of alternative housing or relocation.
Emotional distress and reputational harm.
Punitive damages for willful violations.
Attorney’s fees and legal costs.
What Clients Ask us Most
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Contact our office for a review of your background check and the circumstances surrounding the denial or adverse action. We’ll evaluate whether the screening company, employer, or reporting agency failed to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and explain your options clearly before moving forward.
Do you work with clients outside of Florida?
Yes. Background check and screening cases are governed by federal law, and we represent clients nationwide in appropriate matters. Jurisdiction depends on the facts of the case and the parties involved, which we evaluate during intake.
What documents should I have before contacting you?
Helpful documents include:
- A copy of the background check report (if available)
- Any adverse action notice or denial letter
- Emails or communications from the employer, landlord, or screening company
- Proof of inaccuracies (court records, expungement orders, dismissal documents, etc.)
If you don’t have everything yet, don’t worry — we can still help assess your situation.
Will taking legal action hurt my credit or record?
No. Enforcing your rights under the FCRA **cannot legally be used against you**. In many cases, legal action helps correct records, restore opportunities, and prevent future harm caused by inaccurate reporting.
## Do I have to pay upfront for legal services?
No. Most background check error cases are handled on a **contingency basis**, meaning:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we recover for you
- Attorney’s fees and costs are often paid by the violating party
This allows consumers to pursue justice without financial risk.
How long will my case take?
Every case is different. Some matters resolve during the pre-litigation phase once violations are identified, while others require filing a lawsuit in federal court. The timeline depends on:
- The nature of the errors
- Whether proper notices were given
- The response (or lack thereof) from the reporting company
We move cases forward efficiently while protecting your rights.
Do I have to pay upfront for legal services?
No. Most background check error cases are handled on a **contingency basis**, meaning:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we recover for you
- Attorney’s fees and costs are often paid by the violating party
This allows consumers to pursue justice without financial risk.
How do I know if I have a case?
You may have a case if:
- You were denied a job, housing, or opportunity due to a background check
- The report contained inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information
- You were not given proper notice or a chance to dispute the report
- Old, expunged, or sealed records were reported
These situations often involve violations of federal law, and we can evaluate that for you.
What types of cases does your firm handle?
We represent consumers harmed by background check and screening errors, including:
- Employment background check inaccuracies
- Tenant and rental screening errors
- Criminal record misreporting
- Reporting of expunged, sealed, or outdated records
- Failure to provide required notices under the FCRA
Our focus is on **holding screening companies and reporting agencies accountable** when their practices unlawfully harm consumers.
Federal Consumer Protection Areas And Consumer Injury Advocacy
