Dist. Ct. did not err in denying plaintiff's request for $25,293.65 in costs after prevailing in Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) claim, where Dist. Ct. had previously entered judgment for plaintiff under Rule 68 for $1,101 "plus costs to be determined by the Court." Plaintiff submitted as costs: (1) $24,137.50 as reimbursement under section 1692k(a)(1) of FDCPA for hundreds of hours plaintiff spent litigating instant action; (2) $156.15 in mailing costs under section 1692k(a)(3) of FDCPA; and (3) $1,000 in "additional damages" costs under section 1692k(a)(2) of FDCPA. Plaintiff also demanded $47,425.02 in punitive damages. Instant damages requested by plaintiff are not part of costs properly awarded under section 1692k(a) of FDPCA, and costs contemplated under FDCPA are simply those awardable under Rule 54(d). As such, costs under FDCPA do not include any kind of damages or compensation that plaintiff sought for his time and mailing expenses.
Federal 7th Circuit Court
Civil Court
Costs