Widow Sues Debt Collection Firm for Wrongful Death of Her Husband

A Florida woman has sued a debt collection company for wrongful death, claiming abusive calls from its employees contributed to her husband’s fatal heart attack.

Dianne McLeod says her husband, Stanley, was getting 10 to 12 calls a day, causing his blood pressure and stress levels to rise, the Tampa News-Press reports. He had fallen behind on his mortgage after suffering an earlier heart attack that forced him to quit work, she said.

McLeod's Tampa lawyer, William Howard, told the Associated Press he believes the suit is the first one filed against a debt collector for wrongful death.

An executive for the defendant, Green Tree Servicing, said the claim is "outrageous and meritless,” according to AP.