Do I Need a Background Check Lawyer to Get Compensation From the Background Check Company That Reported False Information?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to get compensation from a background check company — but in reality, almost all successful FCRA cases are handled by attorneys. Background check companies rarely offer compensation on their own, and they often ignore or deny consumer disputes until a lawyer gets involved.
Can You Handle an FCRA Claim on Your Own?
Technically, yes. You can:
File a dispute yourself
Contact the background check company
Submit court documents, ID, or proof
Request a reinvestigation
However, getting compensation is very difficult without legal help.
Background check companies almost never pay consumers directly unless litigation or an attorney is involved.
Why Most People Use a Background Check Lawyer
Here’s why legal representation makes a huge difference:
Lawyers know exactly what documents and evidence are needed
Companies take disputes more seriously when an attorney contacts them
Many FCRA violations qualify for statutory damages even without financial loss
Lawyers handle all communication with the screening company
The background check company must pay your attorney’s fees if you win
Most FCRA law firms charge nothing upfront
In other words: a lawyer can turn an ignored dispute into a legally enforceable claim.
Can a Lawyer Increase the Compensation Amount?
Almost always, yes.
Attorneys understand how to:
Calculate actual damages (job loss, delays, emotional distress)
Pursue statutory damages up to $1,000
Seek punitive damages in serious cases
Identify multiple violations (misreporting, failure to investigate, etc.)
People who file claims alone typically get zero, while represented clients often receive meaningful compensation.
When You Definitely Need a Lawyer
If any of these apply, an attorney is strongly recommended:
You lost a job because of the false report
The report mixed you with another person
The company refused to fix the issue
The same error appears repeatedly
The mistake involved a serious allegation (felony, sex offender status, etc.)
The error caused financial or emotional harm
These are strong FCRA cases.
How We Can Help
You don’t have to fight a background check company alone. We handle FCRA claims at no upfront cost, pursue compensation on your behalf, and make the process simple and stress-free.