| Volume 142 Number 53 |
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Forward this news alert to your family and friends
Helpful Links
Texas Consumer Complaint Center
Credit Reports and Identity Theft
Your Guide to Small Claims Court
Contact Us
1-713-743-2168
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Have you ever reported an unwanted call to the FTC, whether it’s a robocall (where you hear a recorded message) or call from a live person? Reporting won’t end these annoying calls, but it helps the FTC and other law enforcement agencies investigate and bring cases against scammers and businesses that aren’t following the law. Click here for more.
FCC demands more accurate internet coverage maps
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to require internet service providers (ISPs) to better map their coverage areas so gaps in broadband coverage are more clearly defined. Critics have long charged that the current mapping system leaves a lot to be desired. Although ISPs are required to map coverage within census blocks, the ISP doesn’t have to cover the entire block in order to show it. In fact, in can cover just one home in the area to claim coverage of the entire census block. Under the new set of rules, the FCC will only report geospatial broadband coverage maps from fixed broadband internet service providers of areas where they make fixed service available. The object is to present a clear picture of where high-quality fixed broadband service is offered. Click here for more.
Your Money
A card that works for you at one point in your financial life may not be a good choice later. That's why it's important to know when and how to upgrade – or downgrade – your credit cards. Here's what you need to know about upgrading and downgrading your credit cards to help ensure that you always have the best plastic for your current needs. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Damages for mental anguish are recoverable under the Texas Debt Collection Act. A Texas Bankruptcy Court held that to show entitlement to mental anguish damages under the TDCA, plaintiff must put on evidence showing the nature, duration, and severity of their mental anguish, thus establishing a substantial disruption in the plaintiffs' daily routine, or show a high degree of mental pain and distress that is more than mere worry, anxiety, vexation, embarrassment, or anger. A plaintiff is not required to show that their mental anguish resulted in physical symptoms. Damages for mental anguish may be proven by the claimant's own testimony. Click here for more.