Lawsuit from Cohen & Slamowitz

I am being sued by them for a 9400+ debt which is an incorrect amount. Moreover, they are representing Midland Funding which apparently bought the debt from someone who inturn bought it from someone who got it from Source Creditor.

I filed my response to the suit as True for person residing in state, Unknown for everything and False for debt related. When I filed, the clerk told me the next thing is a pre-trial which is on Monday next week.

What can I do with these junk debt buyers? I did offer settlement to the first buyer from the source back in the day over a year ago but they declined. My business fell apart and everything I owned is gone. What can I do now?

I can barely afford expenses. I want to be done with this. After filing the suit, they continued calling and sending letters for settlement but I never answered any. Is that against the FDCPA laws for them to continue collection practice after filing suit?

I have not asked for Debt Validation either. should I do so at the pre-trial hearing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.