Guardian Litigation Group is not affiliated with Rausch Sturm LLP. We provide legal representation against aggressive debt collectors and debt lawsuits.
If you’ve just found out that Rausch Sturm is suing you, it’s probably catching you off guard. Lawsuits from law firms like Rausch Sturm often come with little warning, and you may not even recognize the debt they’re referring to. The paperwork looks formal, the deadlines come fast, and the pressure to respond can set in quickly. If you’re feeling uncertain about what steps to take, you’re not the only one in that position.
At Guardian Litigation Group, we represent people being sued by firms like Rausch Sturm across the country. We understand how these debt lawsuits work and what can happen if they go unanswered. If you’ve been sued, we may be able to step in, review the case, and handle the legal process from start to finish.
Who Is Rausch Sturm LLP and Why Are They Suing You?
Rausch Sturm isn’t a lender. They’re a law firm that represents large creditors, banks, and debt buyers across the country. They’re often brought in after an account has gone delinquent and the original creditor wants legal action taken.
They’ve been active in debt litigation for years. With offices in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Las Vegas, Nevada, they handle lawsuits on behalf of national banks and third-party debt buyers. Their job is to file lawsuits, obtain judgments, and pursue collection through the court system. If their name is on the court documents, it means they’re acting as legal counsel for a creditor trying to collect a debt through litigation
The Types of Clients Rausch Sturm Typically Represents
Rausch Sturm works for some of the largest names in the financial sector. That includes:
- Major credit card issuers
- National and regional banks
- Third-party debt buyers
- Online lenders and personal loan providers
- Retail finance companies
These collections are usually tied to accounts that have gone unpaid for months or years. Once the client hires Rausch Sturm, the process turns legal. That’s when summonses are issued and court cases begin.
Common Types of Debt in These Lawsuits
The majority of lawsuits filed by Rausch Sturm involve unsecured consumer debt. These are accounts where no property was used as collateral. If the account goes unpaid, the creditor’s only recourse is legal action. Here’s what typically shows up in their filings:
- Credit card balances
- Store charge cards and retail accounts
- Personal loans
- Online installment loans
- Lines of credit from banks or credit unions
Each case comes with its own paperwork. Some are backed by years of statements. Others rely on assignments from debt buyers. Either way, once the suit is filed, it becomes a legal matter.
Why You Might Not Recognize the Plaintiff
Even if you know you’ve had financial trouble in the past, the name on the lawsuit might not make sense. That’s because Rausch Sturm often represents companies that bought your account from the original creditor. You may have opened a credit card with one bank, stopped paying after a job loss or hardship, and then years passed. During that time, the account could have been sold, bundled, and reassigned multiple times.
The company listed in the lawsuit might be completely unfamiliar to you. That’s where Rausch Sturm comes in, as they’re the ones filing the case and acting as legal counsel. They don’t have to be the original lender to pursue legal collection. As long as they can show legal ownership of the debt and that the statute of limitations hasn’t expired, they can file.
Their Legal Role in the Debt Collection Process
Rausch Sturm operates almost entirely in courtrooms. Their job is to pursue judgments. Once a judgment is entered in favor of the creditor, the court gives them tools to collect the balance. One common method is wage garnishment, where a portion of your paycheck is withheld and sent directly to the creditor until the debt is paid. Bank levies are also possible—this allows funds to be taken directly from your checking or savings account. In some cases, a lien can be placed on your property, meaning the creditor has a legal claim that must be addressed if you sell or refinance. These actions are legally enforceable and can stay active for years unless resolved.
When they file a case, they’re expecting the defendant either won’t respond or won’t show up prepared. That’s why lawsuits like these often result in default judgments. Many people don’t realize that failing to respond leads to a judgment that can last for years. Once entered, it opens the door to a wide range of collection options that the court permits.
Lawsuit or Scam? How to Tell the Difference Quickly
A real debt collection lawsuit begins with formal service of documents. In most states, this means someone physically delivers court paperwork to you, either a process server, sheriff, or someone hired by the creditor’s law firm. Sometimes, the court allows delivery by mail if personal service fails. The packet you receive should include a summons and a complaint. The summons tells you you’re being sued. The complaint outlines why. Both should list a court name and case number.
The moment you receive these documents, take note of the court listed. That detail matters. It’s the starting point for checking whether the case is legitimate or just another pressure tactic.
You Can Check With the Court Yourself
If you’re unsure about the lawsuit’s legitimacy, you don’t have to guess. Every real lawsuit is filed with a court. You can contact the courthouse listed on the paperwork and ask if a case has been filed under your name. Many courts also have online case lookup systems where you can search by name or case number. If there’s no record of the case, that’s a red flag. But if the case is there, it’s real, and there’s a deadline to respond.
Court clerks won’t give legal advice, but they can confirm whether a case has been filed. That’s all you need to know at this stage. From there, it’s about responding correctly and on time.
Watch for Signs of a Scam
Scammers often impersonate law firms or use legal language to scare people into paying right away. One of the biggest red flags is a call that threatens jail, arrest, or legal charges unless you make an immediate payment. In the U.S., unpaid consumer debt doesn’t lead to arrest. If someone tells you it does, they’re lying. Legitimate debt lawsuits follow a paper trail and a process, not last-minute phone threats.
Another sign of a scam is urgency over the phone. Real law firms rarely demand payment without sending written documentation first. If the caller refuses to send you court documents or won’t tell you what court the case was filed in, pause before doing anything. Take time to check the facts.
Verify, Then Act—But Don’t Ignore It
It’s important to confirm that a lawsuit is real before you make any decisions. But waiting too long, or assuming it’s fake without checking, can lead to real consequences. If a real lawsuit goes unanswered, the court may issue a judgment by default. That judgment could lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens depending on where you live.
Taking the time to verify the lawsuit gives you a clear view of what’s happening. And if it’s legitimate, acting quickly gives you more legal options to work with.
Don’t Wait for a Judgment—Take Action Today
Debunking Common Myths About Debt Collection Lawsuits
A lawsuit doesn’t come with instructions, and the system doesn’t slow down while you figure it out. That’s why understanding the truth behind common myths is more than just helpful—it can keep you from losing the case before it even starts.
“If I Don’t Recognize the Debt, I Can Ignore It”
It’s common to receive a lawsuit with a company name that doesn’t look familiar. Debt changes hands. Banks sell accounts to debt buyers. In some cases, your debt might have passed through several companies before landing with the one suing you. Just because the name doesn’t mean anything to you doesn’t mean the lawsuit won’t move forward.
The court doesn’t check whether you recognize the creditor. It checks whether you responded to the complaint. If you ignore it, you’re skipping a step the court expects you to take, no matter who the creditor is or how old the account seems. Responding preserves your right to defend yourself. Without that response, the lawsuit can lead to a judgment whether the debt feels legitimate to you or not.
“If I Don’t Show Up, They Can’t Do Anything”
This one gets people into trouble quickly. Courts can and do issue default judgments when defendants don’t respond or appear. That means the person suing you—often a creditor represented by a law firm like Rausch Sturm—can win the case without ever having to present their evidence. All it takes is your silence.
Once a judgment is entered, the legal consequences begin. Wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens are all options that a judgment can trigger. Courts don’t need to hear both sides to make a ruling. If only one side participates, the law allows the case to be decided without you. That’s why missing deadlines or skipping court can change your financial situation for years.
“It’s Just a Scare Tactic”
Some people believe that debt lawsuits are sent as pressure, not action. The idea is that if you ignore the letters, nothing will happen. But law firms like Rausch Sturm file and follow through with lawsuits in courts across the country. Their job is to secure judgments and enforce them. If the case has been filed, it’s already in motion.
Once you’ve been served, the paperwork is a step in the legal process. Whether or not you think the lawsuit is serious, the court does. These firms are hired to handle large volumes of cases for creditors, and the filing of a complaint is the beginning of a timeline. That timeline includes deadlines, hearings, and outcomes the court will enforce.
“Any Lawyer Can Handle This”
A lawsuit is a legal matter, but not every attorney is equipped to deal with debt collection defense. Debt law has its own procedures, and companies like Rausch Sturm have built their systems to move cases quickly through court. Responding effectively takes more than general legal knowledge. It takes familiarity with how these cases work.
If you’re working with a legal team, you want one that deals with these types of lawsuits regularly. That means they understand how creditors build their cases, how to respond within deadlines, and what courts typically look for in debt-related claims. Without that understanding, legal representation might not help much.
How Guardian Litigation Group Works When You’re Sued Over a Debt
When a large firm like Rausch Sturm sues over a consumer debt, most people don’t know what happens next. There’s a deadline to respond. There’s legal paperwork that needs to be filed. And there are attorneys on the other side with a system designed to move fast. At Guardian Litigation Group, we step in to manage every part of that process. We respond to the lawsuit, handle court communications, and make sure nothing gets missed. From the day we take your case, our legal team does the heavy lifting so you’re not left guessing what to do next.
Our attorneys are directly involved in defending your case, filing the appropriate responses, and dealing with opposing counsel. Whether the goal is to dispute the claim or reach a resolution that works for your situation, we make sure it’s done through proper legal channels.
What We Do for Clients Being Sued
When you retain Guardian Litigation Group, you get full legal representation. That means we’re responsible for how the case is handled in court. Here’s what that includes:
- Filing legal responses with the court
- Reviewing lawsuit documents for errors or missing information
- Communicating directly with the firm representing the creditor
- Making court appearances and handling case deadlines
- Negotiating resolutions when appropriate
- Keeping you informed through each phase of the case
This process starts with a review of your situation and moves quickly into action. Once deadlines are in place, there’s no time to waste.
Legal Defense Against Large Law Firms
We’ve represented thousands of clients facing lawsuits from firms like Rausch Sturm. These firms operate across jurisdictions and are often backed by national banks or debt buyers. They file lawsuits in volume, expecting many of them to go unanswered. That’s where our work matters. We know what to look for in the complaint. We know when legal documents are missing key details. And we know how to engage with these firms in a way that protects our clients and keeps the case on track.
Our team handles lawsuits across 48 states. That coverage allows us to step in quickly, regardless of where the case is filed. Whether it’s a state court in California or a small claims case in Georgia, we’ve seen the paperwork and procedures before. That experience helps us respond effectively while keeping your case moving in the right direction.
We Also Help Stop Unlawful Collection Behavior
Sometimes, lawsuits aren’t the only issue. If the creditor or their law firm crosses a legal line—through constant phone calls, threats, or misrepresentations—we take that seriously. We look at how the case was filed, how communication was handled, and whether your rights under federal or state law have been violated. If we identify something unlawful, we address it.
Lawsuits Move Fast. So Should Your Defense.
These lawsuits come with deadlines, court filings, and lasting consequences if ignored. Whether the debt feels familiar or completely out of the blue, once a case is filed, action is required to protect your interests.
At Guardian Litigation Group, we represent clients in cases just like this across the country. We review the lawsuit, step into the legal process, and work to reach outcomes with your best financial interest in mind. If you’ve been served or suspect legal action is coming, don’t wait. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can help.
FAQs
What should I do if Rausch Sturm is suing me?
The first step is to take it seriously and act quickly. Once you’ve been served, the court starts the clock on your response. Missing that deadline can result in a default judgment. Review the paperwork, confirm the case with the court, and get legal help as soon as you can. This is a legal action, not just a collection letter.
Can I settle the debt with Rausch Sturm before going to court?
Possibly. Some creditors are open to settlement, even after filing a lawsuit. But once a case is active, it’s important to handle settlement through proper legal channels. Anything you agree to should be in writing and legally sound. If you’re considering this route, it helps to have legal representation to make sure you’re not agreeing to something that could come back to hurt you.
How do I know if the lawsuit from Rausch Sturm is legitimate?
Start by checking the paperwork for a court name and case number. You can call the court or look up your name in their online system to confirm whether the case was officially filed. Scams often threaten lawsuits without actually filing anything. Real lawsuits come with a summons and complaint, usually delivered in person or by certified mail.
How does Guardian Litigation Group help people sued by Rausch Sturm?
We represent clients from the moment they’re served. Our team handles everything—filing the legal response, communicating with the opposing attorneys, attending court, and exploring resolution options. We take the legal process off your hands so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Can Guardian Litigation Group take over if I’ve already been served?
Yes, if your response deadline hasn’t passed and there are at least 10 days remaining before it’s due, we can step in quickly to prepare and file the necessary legal documents on your behalf. Once we’re on the case, our attorneys handle the court filings, communication, and defense strategy, so you’re not left managing it alone.
The information provided in this blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.