Can I Sue HireRight for Inaccurate Reporting?

Question

I had the offer in writing. The interviews went well, I passed every step, and I was already planning around the start date. Then HR went quiet, and when I finally heard back, they said there was "something" on my background check through HireRight. I pulled the report myself and I could not believe what I was looking at. There is a criminal record on there that has nothing to do with me. It's the wrong person, different details, but HireRight tied it to my file anyway. I disputed it immediately and sent proof, and they came back saying it was "verified." No explanation. No real investigation. Just verified, case closed, and now my job offer is hanging by a thread. I've never been arrested. I've never been to that court. This isn't my record. Can I sue HireRight for this? Is a HireRight lawsuit actually something I can pursue, or do I just have to accept that someone else's past just cost me my future? I need to know if filing a HireRight background check lawsuit is a real option, and I need to move fast before the employer gives the role to someone else.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

When HireRight reports inaccurate, outdated, or misattributed information on a background check that costs you a job, you may have a strong legal claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. As a Consumer Reporting Agency, HireRight is legally required to follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy in the reports it prepares — and when it fails to do so, federal law gives you the right to hold them accountable. This includes situations where HireRight mixed your file with someone else's, failed to reflect that a record was expunged or dismissed, continued reporting inaccurate information after you disputed it, or issued a "verified" response without conducting a meaningful investigation. Each of these failures can support a HireRight lawsuit under 15 U.S.C. §§1681e(b) and 1681i of the FCRA.

If you're considering whether to sue HireRight or file a HireRight background check lawsuit, here's what you should do right now:

Save a complete copy of your HireRight report and any adverse or pre-adverse action notices from the employer.
Document the specific inaccurate entries - what's wrong, why it isn't yours, and any proof you have (court records, ID, address history).
Dispute the error in writing directly with HireRight and keep a copy of everything you submit.
Note any response HireRight gives. Especially any "verified" reply and the date you received it.
Contact Consumer Attorneys to evaluate whether you have an actionable FCRA claim.

A HireRight lawsuit can seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and statutory or punitive damages if the violation was willful. Importantly, the FCRA also provides that if you win, HireRight may be required to pay your attorney's fees, meaning you may be able to pursue justice without any out-of-pocket legal cost. At Consumer Attorneys, we handle FCRA cases against background screening companies like HireRight every day. If a background check error cost you an opportunity, reach out for a free case evaluation. We'll review your report, assess the strength of your claim, and help you move quickly while your situation is still actionable.