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Tampa/Radius Global Solutions/Medical Debt/How-To Guides/How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit
5 Steps · Tampa, FL

How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit

Specifically for Radius Global Solutions collecting medical debt in Tampa, FL

Critical timeline, how to write an Answer, common defenses, and what happens if you do nothing. This guide is tailored to residents of Tampa dealing with Radius Global Solutions, one of the most-complained-about debt collectors for medical debt accounts. In Florida, the statute of limitations is 5 years and wage garnishment is capped at Head of household exempt.

5 years

Florida SOL on Medical Debt

$2,459

Average Medical Debt

Head of household exempt

Garnishment Limit

Known Radius Global Solutions Violations

Radius Global Solutions has a documented pattern of FDCPA violations. If any of these happen to you, document them immediately and file a CFPB complaint.

  • TCPA violations through auto-dialed calls to cell phones
  • Reporting disputed debts without investigation
  • Continuing calls after cease-and-desist

Step-by-Step: How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit

These steps apply directly to your situation as a Tampa resident dealing with Radius Global Solutions.

1

Do not ignore the lawsuit

If you are served with a complaint, you MUST file an Answer by the deadline — typically 20-30 days depending on your state. Missing the deadline results in an automatic default judgment against you, which allows wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens.

2

Read the complaint carefully

The complaint states who is suing you, what debt they claim, and what they want. Note: the plaintiff's name (may be a debt buyer, not original creditor), the amount claimed, and the cause of action. Check if the SOL has expired based on the date of first delinquency.

3

File a formal written Answer

For each numbered paragraph, respond: Admit (only what you know to be true), Deny (default to deny when uncertain), or 'Defendant lacks sufficient knowledge to admit or deny.' Deny any amount you haven't personally verified.

4

Raise affirmative defenses

In your Answer, include affirmative defenses: statute of limitations expired, lack of standing (debt buyer can't prove proper assignment), wrong person, amount is incorrect, debt was already paid or settled, original contract doesn't exist.

5

Consider getting legal help

For amounts over $5,000 or if the other side has an attorney, consult a consumer rights attorney. Many work on contingency. NACA at consumeradvocates.org has free referrals. Your state's legal aid society may help if you qualify.

Medical Debt Dispute Strategies

These strategies are specific to medical debt — the type of debt Radius Global Solutions is collecting from Tampa residents.

  • Request itemized bill with CPT codes
  • Check for No Surprises Act violations
  • Apply for hospital financial assistance
  • Dispute errors line by line
  • Negotiate — hospitals accept 40-60% routinely

Specific Tips for Dealing with Radius Global Solutions

  • Radius collects for healthcare and financial services — verify original balances
  • Send cease-and-desist via certified mail and keep the receipt
  • TCPA violations carry $500-$1,500 per call — document everything for potential lawsuit

Florida Debt Collection Protections

Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act governs debt collection in Florida. File complaints with: AG Consumer Protection.

  • Head of household wages FULLY exempt from garnishment
  • Unlimited homestead exemption
  • State debt collection act applies to original creditors
Exempt income in Florida: Social Security, Wages (if head of household), Workers' comp, Disability, Retirement

Key Tips

Debt buyers dismiss 30-40% of cases when the defendant files an Answer and demands documentation — they often can't prove the debt
Filing an Answer costs nothing (or a small filing fee in some courts) and is the only way to fight back
After filing your Answer, send discovery requests demanding the original credit agreement, complete payment history, and chain of assignment — they may not be able to produce it

Frequently Asked Questions — Tampa Residents

Can Radius Global Solutions garnish my wages in Tampa?

In Florida, wage garnishment is limited to Head of household exempt. Income sources protected from garnishment include: Social Security, Wages (if head of household), Workers' comp, Disability, Retirement. Radius Global Solutions must first obtain a court judgment before any garnishment can begin.

What is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Florida?

The statute of limitations for medical debt in Florida is 5 years. After this period expires, Radius Global Solutions cannot win a lawsuit on the debt if you raise the SOL as a defense in your Answer. Never ignore a lawsuit even on time-barred debt.

What violations has Radius Global Solutions committed?

Known violations by Radius Global Solutions include: TCPA violations through auto-dialed calls to cell phones; Reporting disputed debts without investigation; Continuing calls after cease-and-desist. Document any violations immediately and file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

How do I dispute medical debt with Radius Global Solutions in Tampa?

To dispute medical debt with Radius Global Solutions: send a written validation request via certified mail within 30 days of first contact, demand the original creditor name, full chain of assignment, and original signed agreement. Start with: request itemized bill with cpt codes.

Related Resources

Tampa Debt HelpRadius Global Solutions in TampaMedical Debt · TampaRadius Global Solutions ViolationsMedical Debt GuideAll How-To Guides

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