Jury awards $95,000 in Experian credit report error case

A Texas jury awarded Ronald Alexander Garcia Delgado $95,000 after finding Experian Information Solutions liable for credit reporting errors that mixed his file with his son’s. The verdict adds legal fees and highlights how inaccurate credit data can block access to housing, vehicles and other essentials.

Why it matters: - Inaccurate credit reporting can cut off access to loans, housing and other basic purchases. - The verdict underscores the risk when credit bureaus match files with incomplete or incorrect identity data. - The case adds pressure on consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What happened: - A federal jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned a unanimous $95,000 verdict for Ronald Alexander Garcia Delgado against Experian Information Solutions, Inc. - Consumer Justice Law Firm represented Garcia Delgado in the lawsuit. - The case was filed as Ronald Alexander Garcia Delgado v. Experian Information Solutions, Inc., Civil Action No. 4:24-cv-00637. - Experian was also ordered to pay Garcia Delgado’s legal fees.

The details: - The lawsuit alleged that Experian combined Garcia Delgado’s credit information with negative accounts belonging to his son. - Garcia Delgado is a Venezuelan immigrant living in Texas. - His son’s date of birth was 24 years apart from Garcia Delgado’s date of birth. - The evidence showed Experian’s matching system linked the two files using a first name and shared address. - Equifax and TransUnion did not make the same error. - Garcia Delgado’s legal team argued that Experian failed to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. - The jury found that the errors caused multiple lending denials and effectively shut off Garcia Delgado’s access to credit. - Consumer Justice Law Firm said the case was tried before a rural Texas jury with Spanish-English interpreters for Garcia Delgado and several witnesses. - Managing Attorney and Trial Counsel James Ristvedt said the case showed the real-world consequences of inaccurate credit reporting. - Ristvedt said Garcia Delgado was denied credit while trying to obtain a vehicle, furniture and housing-related necessities after immigrating from Venezuela.

Between the lines: - The verdict suggests jurors saw the harm as more than a paperwork mistake; they treated it as a barrier to daily life. - The fact that two other major bureaus avoided the error may raise questions about Experian’s matching procedures rather than about Garcia Delgado’s identity records. - The case also highlights the added burden on immigrants who must navigate the U.S. credit system while trying to rebuild financial stability.

What’s next: - Experian must pay the award and legal fees unless the company pursues post-trial motions or appeal options. - Consumer Justice Law Firm said it continues to represent Garcia Delgado. - The firm, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, says it handles consumer protection matters nationwide. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.