I received a summons from a collection company for outstanding dental bill in California. I live in California. The service was performed in 03/15/2005. The dentist originally quoted around $2500. This is for veneers. But at the time of my first appointment I paid $2000, the check cleared. The second appointment when everything is supposed to be done, they said that they had wrongly quoted the cost by wronly counting the number of teeth that needed the veneers. So they asked me for a total $5000, out of which I have already paid and cleared $2000. I had to pay the $3000 to get the second appointment done otherwise I wouldn't have teeth since they ground most of my teeth. My bank account had around $600 or so at that time, so the check obviously bounced. I had moved my residence in a few months, never heard from them until now. A collection company sent a summons saying that I owe them $3600 with 10% interest from 03/15/2006 and attorney fee (it says provided by proof, but I dont see any proof).
1. What are my options?
2. If I hire an attorney I have to pay him too in addition to all the fees and interest I need to pay. (this is my attorney fees, next question number 3 is for the judgement attorney)
3. What is the reasonable attorney fee (for the judgement if obtained) that California superior court would allow, so that I can plan properly. Can they just ask for $10000 or something like that. Is it a percentage of the amount.
Thanks for your help

