Commercial bankruptcy filings increased by almost 52 percent from 2008 through 2009, according to a new study by Equifax, Inc.
According to the new study, total commercial bankruptcies rose from 77,638 in 2008, to 117,659 in 2009. These numbers are striking in comparison to the all time low of 32,293 filings in 2006. When viewing the data on a quarterly or month-over-month basis however, the picture seems less grim. While the total numbers continue to be very high, the rate of increase appears to be slowing. For example, fourth quarter filings in 2009 numbered 28,352, while fourth quarter filings in 2008 numbered 25,140. The same trend can be seen in December 2008’s 8,732 filings compared to December of 2009’s 9,001 filings.
The poll shows that California remains the state most negatively affected by the recession. In the study’s list of 15 metropolitan statistical areas with the most commercial bankruptcy filings during the fourth quarter, California had seven areas.
The metropolitan statistical areas with the most bankruptcy filings for 2009 fourth quarter are:
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos CA
Denver-Aurora CO
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division
California – Rest of State
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale AZ
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL Metropolitan Division
Oregon – Rest of State
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division
New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area
If you are facing heavy debts and are interested in learning if bankruptcy is the right option for you, the Boston bankruptcy attorneys of Joshua Spirn & Associates may be able to help you. Contact us today by calling 800-975-5346.