Suing a Background Check Company for Errors Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate or unfair background reports. A background check FCRA violation occurs when a company fails to ensure the accuracy of its data, reports false criminal records, or refuses to correct mistakes after a dispute.
Common examples include:
Reporting outdated or sealed criminal records
Mixing your report with another person’s data
Ignoring dispute requests
Failing to notify you before sharing negative results
Can You Sue a Background Check Company for Errors?
Yes. If a reporting agency violates the FCRA, you can sue a background check company for errors and recover damages.
When companies fail to correct false data or cause job losses through negligence, consumers may be eligible for:
Compensation for background check mistakes
Statutory damages under the FCRA (up to $1,000 per violation)
Emotional distress damages
Attorney’s fees through contingency representation
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Examples of Background Check Lawsuits
Real-world background check lawsuit examples show how serious these mistakes can be:
A background check falsely reported a criminal record, causing a job denial.
Expunged records were still shared with employers.
Companies failed to investigate disputes or update reports.
Settlements often reach thousands — sometimes millions — in compensation. These false background check settlement examples highlight the importance of enforcing consumer rights.
Learn more about Background Check Lawsuits
Hiring an FCRA Background Check Attorney
An experienced FCRA background check attorney helps clients:
File disputes and verify report errors
Collect documentation and evidence
Pursue settlements or litigation
Recover background check error damages
Many firms offer a no-upfront-fee background check lawyer policy — meaning you pay nothing unless your case wins.
Consultation page: Contact our background check dispute lawyers for a free case review.
How Much Compensation Is Possible?
Compensation in background check FCRA lawsuits varies by case. Successful claims may include:
Lost wages from withdrawn job offers
Emotional distress compensation
Punitive damages for reckless misconduct
Legal fee recovery under federal law
Many background check settlement amounts reach substantial sums when companies repeatedly violate the FCRA.
Why Legal Help Matters
Even minor mistakes in a background check can destroy job prospects. With professional representation, you can hold negligent agencies accountable, repair your record, and recover damages.
A background check lawyer free consultation can clarify your rights and next steps. Law firms experienced in background check company negligence lawsuits often secure higher FCRA background check compensation because they understand both employment law and consumer protection statutes.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been affected by false or inaccurate background check information, it’s time to take action.
Even minor mistakes in a background check can destroy job prospects. With professional representation, you can hold negligent agencies accountable, repair your record, and recover damages.
A qualified FCRA background check attorney can guide you through the process, from dispute to resolution — with no upfront fees and a focus on maximum recovery.
You Should Know That
Dismissed or dropped criminal cases can only be reported for up to 7 years on commercial background checks. Expunged cases should not appear on your background check at all. Reporting these records is a violation of your consumer rights.
Reporting records or cases that do not belong to you on your employment or housing background check is a violation of your consumer rights under the FCRA. Agencies should not sell inaccurate information about you!
Even if the record on your report belongs to you, it must be reported with maximum accuracy. Reporting incorrect dispositions, dates, or charge degrees is a violation of your consumer rights.
Don't Fight Background Check Errors Alone - Help Is Available
We value our clients and are committed to helping them resolve errors on their background checks so they can get back to their normal lives.
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Have you been a victim of an inaccurate background check or have other questions? Contact us!
