There is a major disparity in courts. Approximately 95% of all parties filing lawsuits have an attorney, while figures show that fewer than 25% of people being sued in foreclosure or for the collection of a medical, auto, or credit card debt retain an attorney. Collectors know they are likely not going to face someone who is represented and they count on it. Retaining an attorney is more affordable than people think, and it could be free. Adam Deutsch, Esq. of Northeast Law Group explains that collectors frequently add fees they are not entitled to collect. When this happens, the person being sued can get the collection case dismissed and file a lawsuit of their own in which the collector has to pay damages and attorney fees.

The study discussed can be found here: http://www.ncsc.org/~/media/Files/PDF/Research/CivilJusticeReport-2015.ashx