Sued by Rausch Sturm for Debt? How to Settle and Win Your Case

Getting served with a lawsuit from Rausch Sturm LLP can feel overwhelming. Many people panic and make a critical mistake: ignoring the lawsuit entirely.

You cannot afford to ignore this. If you fail to respond, you will automatically lose by default. The court will rule against you, and Rausch Sturm can garnish your wages and place liens on your property.

You have options to settle, reduce, or even dismiss the debt. The key is responding quickly and strategically. We’ll show you exactly how to handle a Rausch Sturm lawsuit and protect your rights.

Who Is Rausch Sturm LLP?

Rausch Sturm LLP, formerly known as RSIEH, is a debt collection law firm. Based in Wisconsin, they represent creditors and financial institutions in court. The firm was established in 1997 and incorporated in 2008.

Rausch Sturm has over 27 years of experience pursuing debt collection lawsuits. They have an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, customer reviews tell a different story with less than 2 out of 5 stars.

Here’s their contact information:

Rausch Sturm LLP
250 N. Sunnyslope Road
Suite 300
Brookfield, WI 53005
866-456-3744

How to Negotiate a Settlement with Rausch Sturm

Rausch Sturm debt collectors often prefer settling outside of court. Settlements save everyone time, money, and resources. You pay less than you owe, and they guarantee collection of something.

Before you negotiate, you need a strategy. Random offers without preparation usually fail. Follow these proven negotiation tactics:

Calculate What You Can Actually Afford

Determine your realistic settlement amount before making any offer. Use this formula: monthly income minus monthly costs plus available savings.

Your offer needs to be realistic. If you owe $10,000 and offer $10, Rausch Sturm won’t take you seriously. Start lower than your maximum, but stay reasonable.

Expect Multiple Rounds of Negotiation

Rausch Sturm will likely reject your first offer. Prepare yourself mentally for back-and-forth negotiations. Keep a positive mindset and stay patient throughout the process.

Be Honest About Your Financial Hardship

Tell your story. Explain what led to your inability to pay. Send proof of hardship like medical bills, termination notices, or reduced paystubs.

Documentation strengthens your position. Rausch Sturm needs to see that your offer represents your best realistic payment.

Mention Bankruptcy If You’re Seriously Considering It

Debt collectors fear bankruptcy more than reduced settlements. If you discharge the debt in bankruptcy, they get nothing. However, only mention bankruptcy if you’re genuinely considering it. Empty threats will backfire.

If you’re unsure about bankruptcy, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

Document Everything

Record your conversations with Rausch Sturm representatives where legally allowed. Keep detailed notes of all offers and counteroffers. These records protect you if disputes arise later.

Get Your Settlement Agreement in Writing

Once you reach an agreement, demand written confirmation. Review the debt settlement agreement carefully before signing. The document should specify the settlement amount, payment terms, and case dismissal.

Rausch Sturm will file this agreement with the court along with a motion to dismiss.

Negotiating with debt collectors doesn’t have to be scary. Our partner Solo can help you negotiate settlements digitally and streamline the entire process.

Know Your Rights Under Federal Law

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive collection practices. The Federal Trade Commission enforces this law and holds debt collectors accountable.

Under the FDCPA, Rausch Sturm cannot:

• Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Contact you at work if your employer prohibits such calls
• Discuss your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, or your attorney
• Harass you with threats, obscene language, or repeated annoying calls
• Lie about the amount you owe or misrepresent who they are
• Falsely claim you’ll be arrested for nonpayment
• Add unauthorized interest or fees beyond your original contract
• Seize your property without a legal warrant

If Rausch Sturm violates the FDCPA, you can sue them. You have one year from the violation date to file in state or federal court. You may recover actual damages plus up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and court costs.

Check Rausch Sturm Reviews Before You Engage

Rausch Sturm LLP is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A rating. Despite this positive rating, customer reviews paint a different picture. Their BBB profile shows less than 2 out of 5 stars.

Review consumer complaints about Rausch Sturm on the CFPB’s consumer complaint database. Reading other people’s experiences helps you understand what to expect.

Send a Debt Validation Letter to RSIEH

Old debts often change hands multiple times before reaching Rausch Sturm. Each transfer makes documentation harder to track. By the time RSIEH contacts you, they may lack proper evidence.

You have the right to request proof they can legally collect this debt. Send a formal debt validation letter asking Rausch Sturm to prove:

• They have the right to collect this specific debt
• The amount they claim is accurate and documented
• You actually agreed to the original debt

If you send your debt validation letter within 30 days of their first contact, they must respond. They’re legally obligated to provide written verification. No verification means no legal right to collect.

If RSIEH cannot produce a signed contract or proper documentation, they cannot pursue you for payment. Always demand proof before acknowledging any debt.

Real Example: How Debt Validation Stopped Collection

Freddy received multiple letters, calls, and emails from RSIEH about an unfamiliar debt. He questioned whether the debt was even real. After researching online, Freddy sent a debt validation letter to RSIEH.

RSIEH couldn’t validate the debt. They had contacted the wrong person entirely. Once they failed to provide proof, all contact stopped immediately.

How to Respond to a Rausch Sturm Lawsuit

If RSIEH verifies your debt is accurate, they may file a lawsuit. Stepping into a courtroom feels intimidating, especially if you’ve never been sued before. Your fear is normal and understandable.

However, responding is absolutely critical. Most debt lawsuits can be fought successfully. Many debts get reduced or eliminated entirely. Don’t lose by default because of fear.

Understanding Your Summons and Complaint

When Rausch Sturm sues you, you’ll receive two important documents. The Summons notifies you about the lawsuit and your deadline to respond. The Complaint lists specific claims RSIEH makes against you.

You must respond with a written Answer before your state’s deadline. Deadlines vary by state but typically range from 14 to 35 days. Missing this deadline results in automatic default judgment.

A default judgment allows RSIEH to garnish your wages and seize your property. You can prevent this by responding on time.

Three Steps to Draft Your Answer

Step 1: Respond to Each Claim

Address every claim in the Complaint individually. You have three response options: admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge. Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible.

Denying claims forces Rausch Sturm to prove each allegation individually. They must provide evidence for everything you deny. Many debt collectors struggle to produce adequate proof.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

List any legal reasons you shouldn’t be held liable. Affirmative defenses are powerful tools in debt collection cases. Common defenses include:

• The statute of limitations has expired
• You already paid the debt
• The debt amount is incorrect
• You never agreed to the debt
• The creditor violated the FDCPA

The statute of limitations defense often wins cases. We’ll cover this in detail below.

Step 3: File Your Answer with the Court

Submit your completed Answer to the court clerk. You can mail it, deliver it in person, or use a filing service. Always make copies before filing.

Send one copy to the opposing attorney representing Rausch Sturm. Keep one copy for your records. Proof of filing and service protects you later.

Our partner Solo can help you draft and file your Answer in all 50 states quickly and affordably.

Use the Statute of Limitations as Your Defense

Every debt has a statute of limitations. After this time period expires, creditors lose their legal right to sue you. The statute of limitations starts the day you miss your first payment.

Never make a payment or admit you owe the debt after being served. Either action restarts the statute of limitations. The clock begins again from zero.

Understanding Time-Barred Debts

Once the statute of limitations expires, your debt becomes time-barred. Time-barred status provides an excellent affirmative defense. You must raise this defense in your Answer and in court.

Even if your debt is time-barred, you still technically owe it. Rausch Sturm can still contact you about payment. However, they cannot successfully sue you in court.

You have two options with time-barred debt:

Option 1: Pay Nothing

You can choose not to pay time-barred debt. Collectors may continue contacting you, but they cannot win a lawsuit. To stop contact, send a written cease-and-desist letter by mail.

Option 2: Negotiate a Settlement

You can settle time-barred debt for much less than you owe. Collectors know their legal position is weak. They’ll often accept pennies on the dollar rather than nothing.

If you settle, get written confirmation before paying. The letter should state the settlement amount and release you from all further obligation.

Always Respond Even If Debt Is Time-Barred

Never ignore a lawsuit even if you know the debt is time-barred. Ignoring the case leads to default judgment. Default judgments allow wage garnishment regardless of statute of limitations.

Appear in court and tell the judge your debt is time-barred. Bring documentation showing when you last made a payment. The judge will likely dismiss the case immediately.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights

Rausch Sturm lawsuits are serious, but you can win. Start by responding to the lawsuit before your deadline. Send a debt validation letter if you haven’t already. Document everything and know your rights under the FDCPA.

Negotiate settlement offers strategically with proof of financial hardship. Assert the statute of limitations defense if applicable. Never ignore court documents or miss your response deadline.

You have more power than you realize in debt collection cases. Most people who respond and fight back get better outcomes. Take control of your situation starting today.