What type of damages can a plaintiff recover if they prove a CRA has negligently violated the FCRA?

If a plaintiff successfully proves that a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) has negligently violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they are entitled to recover actual damages. Actual damages refer to the specific monetary losses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the violation, such as lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, or any other quantifiable harm linked to the CRA's negligence.

While other forms of damages may be available in different circumstances under the FCRA, such as statutory damages or attorney fees in cases of willful violations, the option stating actual damages aligns specifically with the context of a negligent violation. Understanding this distinction is crucial because it highlights the varying outcomes based on the nature of the violation (negligent versus willful) under the FCRA.