Dianne McLeod says that harassing debt collection phone calls made to her husband ultimately resulted in his having a heart attack and dying. She claims the same debt collection agency would call up to ten times daily, making Stanley red in the face and have chest pains.
Stanley already had suffered from two heart attacks before the collectors started their harassment. His second heart attack required he receive a helicopter ride to the hospital. One of the collection agents made light of his suffering, saying, “Why don’t you have that helicopter pick you up and bring that payment to the office.” This statement and more, all of which are illegal debt collection practices, were left on the McLeod’s message machine and will provide strong evidence against the agency in court.
The fact that the collection agency knew about his condition can certainly be used against them now that Mr. McLeod has passed, says a prominent Orange County personal injury attorney. Green Tree Servicing, the collection agency, denies the company is in anyway responsible for McLeod’s death. The trial is scheduled to start next month.
To read more about this case, see the article on CNN.