Sued by Hayt Hayt & Landau? 5 Steps to Take Now
Hayt Hayt & Landau is a law firm based in Philadelphia and New Jersey that handles many credit card collection cases in Pennsylvania. As a business operating in the legal and business environment, Hayt Hayt and Landau has established a reputation for representing major creditors and complying with industry regulations. Their official website provides information about their services, client representation, and legal credentials, serving as a source of legitimacy and transparency.
The firm often represents Midland Credit Management (or Midland Funding), Jefferson Capital, LVNV, Capital One Bank, or Bank of America in these credit card lawsuits. These entities, including law firms, debt collectors, and creditors, are frequently involved in debt collection lawsuits, which are legal actions initiated to recover unpaid debts. As of early 2025, HHL appears to be filing approximately 300 credit card lawsuits per week, most of these at the local magistrate level. If you have been sued by the law firm Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L., you are not alone.
Who is Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L.?
Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L. is located at 7765 S.W. 87th Avenue, Suite 101, Miami, Florida 33713. According to the Florida Department of Corporations, the firm opened in 1989 and changed its name to Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L. in 2008. Dana M. Stern is listed as president. The Florida Bar indicates that Dana M. Stern has been licensed since 2007 with no 10-year discipline history.
Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L., is not BBB accredited. However, they are given an “A-” rating by the BBB in spite of 16 complaints in the last 3 years (as of 8/10/2021). Even if a law firm has a good rating or positive reviews, it is important to verify its legitimacy to avoid falling victim to a scam.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database reflects 6 complaints (as of 8/10/2021, with a 3-year lookback).
Why have I been sued by Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L.?
Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L. often represents creditors and debt collectors in collection lawsuits to try to secure payment for their clients. Creditors or debt buyers may sell or assign delinquent accounts to entities like Hayt, Hayt & Landau, who then pursue legal action to recover the money owed. Their firm focuses on the legal collection of consumer debt. Therefore, if Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L. has sued you, it is most likely that they represent a creditor who claims you owe them a debt.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L.?
Consumers have sued Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L. in a class action lawsuit. In a 2017 case filed in Florida, the Plaintiff claims that the firm failed to clearly convey the amount owed.
How to beat Hayt, Hayt, & Landau, P.L.?
1. Show Up
First, don’t bury your head in the sand! Florida Courts are divided into 3 levels depending on how much the lawsuit is for: small claims, county court, and circuit court. In small claims cases, a defendant is required to attend a hearing early on, called a “case management conference”; whereas in county court and circuit court, the defendant has 20 days to file a written response from the day the lawsuit papers are served. If a defendant doesn’t appear (in small claims) or they fail to respond (in county court or circuit court), the court will likely enter a default judgment against them. Make sure to respond (or hire someone to do so) so you don’t lose off on the bat!
2. Review the claim
Next, review the records from the case. When a lawsuit is based on the records of another company, it may be that the records are inaccurate. Review the claim and don’t assume it is correct just because they have written it. See if the claim and the amount are accurate.
3. Consider your options
Evaluate the alleged debt from the lawsuit, along with your other debt and your income. Is there a defense to the claim? Can you realistically afford a settlement, or does it make more sense to consider bankruptcy? Here is where you may want to have a free consultation with a debt resolution professional who can help you to objectively review your options. Some people also seek advice from trusted family members who have experience with debt collection cases.
4. Negotiate
Assuming bankruptcy is not your best option and depending on the merits of your case, negotiation may be the next best step. If you hire a debt settlement attorney to assist you with the lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate for you. However, if you are determined to go it alone, you are generally better off talking to the opposing firm than doing nothing (*this is a generalization; each situation is different). Just keep in mind, they are not looking out for your best interest. They are likely not going to tell you about your defenses to the lawsuit or your protections from collection. Their job is to get you to pay.
5. Any Settlement Agreement Should be in Writing
Finally, if you reach a settlement agreement, even if you are representing yourself, your agreement should be in writing.
Taking Proactive Measures
If you are served with a debt collection lawsuit, taking immediate and proactive steps is crucial. Start by responding to the lawsuit within the required timeframe to avoid a default judgment. Carefully review the complaint and verify that the debt is accurate and that you are the correct debtor. If there are discrepancies or you believe the debt is not valid, you have the right to dispute it. In cases involving firms like Hayt, Hayt & Landau, many consumers also explore the possibility of a Hayt Hayt & Landau settlement to resolve the matter without further litigation. Consider reaching out to the debt collector to discuss a possible settlement agreement or payment arrangement that works for you, but always get any agreement in writing. Keep detailed records of all communications, including phone calls, letters, and emails, noting dates and times. By staying organized and proactive, you can better protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome in the debt collection process.
Avoiding Legal Consequences
Ignoring a debt collection lawsuit can have serious legal consequences. If you fail to respond, the court may issue a default judgment against you, which can lead to wage garnishment, bank account levies, or other collection actions. Debt collectors and law firms like Hayt, Hayt & Landau may use aggressive tactics to collect what they claim is owed, but you have the right to dispute the debt and negotiate a payment arrangement. To avoid these negative outcomes, it’s essential to respond to the lawsuit promptly and seek the assistance of a qualified debt collection defense lawyer. Taking action early can help you protect your assets, prevent collections from escalating, and give you more control over the resolution of your case.
Conclusion
Facing a debt collection lawsuit can be stressful, but understanding your rights and taking the right steps can help you manage the process with confidence. If you have been contacted by Hayt, Hayt & Landau, or any other debt collector, don’t ignore the lawsuit; respond promptly and consider reaching out to Ziegler Diamond Law, a trusted debt collection defense firm, to discuss your options. Keep thorough records of all communications and verify the debt to ensure its accuracy. By being proactive and informed, you can avoid legal consequences, protect your financial future, and achieve a sense of accomplishment as you resolve your debt collection issues. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact Ziegler Diamond Law, which can help you navigate the process and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.
We offer a complimentary consultation with our experienced attorneys. We’ll evaluate your case and review your options with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Hayt, Hayt & Landau?
Hayt, Hayt & Landau is a debt collection law firm representing major creditors and debt buyers.
2. Why am I being sued by Hayt, Hayt & Landau?
You’re being sued because they claim you owe delinquent debt assigned or purchased by a creditor.
4. How many lawsuits does Hayt, Hayt & Landau file weekly?
They file approximately three hundred credit card collection lawsuits weekly, mostly within Pennsylvania magistrate courts.
5. What should I do after receiving a lawsuit from Hayt, Hayt & Landau?
Respond immediately, verify debt accuracy, review the complaint, and contact Ziegler Diamond Law for guidance.
6. What rights do I have against debt collectors like Hayt, Hayt & Landau?
You’re protected under the FDCPA, ensuring dispute rights, debt validation requests, and freedom from harassment.
