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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
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    6

    Default What to Do if You're Served With a Lawsuit for Unpaid Medical Bills

    My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Minnesota

    Tonight I was served with a summons requiring a reply for a medical debt I acquired about a year ago. What do I do now? I would like to just pay, or make arrangements to pay the debt. Does this paperwork mean it's too late for that? What should my next step be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Somewhere near Canada
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    35,894

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    As a general rule, it's rarely too late for some kind of arrangement to be made. Call the creditor (or the collection agency), and talk to them.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    The letter I was delivered states that a call to the attorney representing the hospital or the hospital do not qualify as a "reply". Should I call the attorney for the hospital first thing in the morning? I must admit I am a bit stunned about this and would like to resolve a t as fast and cleanly as possible.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    Does the summons give you a deadline date to file an answer or just a date to appear in court?

    Either way what is the exact deadline date?

    If you have to file an answer you generally have 20 or 30 days.

    If you want to pay (in full), you can contact the lawyer whose name is on the papers and tell him you want to bring the money to his office in exchange for a Stipulation for Dismissal. Remember those words. Do not hand over the money without getting a signed Stipulation in hand to take with you.

    As for the amount of the money be prepared to add court costs and attorney fees to the debt. The lawyer will tell you how much you need to bring. Don't argue about it. If you don't pay it all, the lawsuit will proceed, there will be a judgment against you, and you'll end up paying the additional amounts anyway, and then some.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    The paperwork states I have 20 days to submit a written response to protect my my rights.
    At this point I'm guessing it's futile to contact the hospital that I am in debt to. Is this correct? Also if I can't raise all the money I am going to be sued and loose no matter what I do? I just bought my first house and this whole ordeal is truly frightening for me. Is there anything I can do at this point as far as a payment plan goes?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7,056

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    It is not futile to contact the hospital and try to arrange payment of the debt. The 20 days to submit a written response is only relevant to the complaint you received.

    It costs the hospital money to sue you. If they can work out a payment arrangement with you they will.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    Do they have the power to stop the lawsuit imediatly? Or do I need to also contact the lawyer handling the case? Thank you for all of this information

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7,056

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    The hospital and the attorney can dismiss the lawsuit if they choose.

    Call the hospital first and if they say it is out for collection and there is nothing they can do, call the attorney and offer to settle the debt.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    Thank you very much for all of the helpful replies! The medical center did indeed say there was nothing they could do, but did inform me however that the lawyer they use has set up payment plans out of court to settle. I contacted the lawyers office and am awaiting a phone call back because the lawyer handling this matter was not in yet.

    I would just like to say again all of you volunteers on here are amazing, and thank you.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: Just Got Served for Medical Bills

    Quote Quoting Bodytech86
    View Post
    Thank you very much for all of the helpful replies! The medical center did indeed say there was nothing they could do, but did inform me however that the lawyer they use has set up payment plans out of court to settle. I contacted the lawyers office and am awaiting a phone call back because the lawyer handling this matter was not in yet.

    I would just like to say again all of you volunteers on here are amazing, and thank you.
    Good luck, Bodytech86

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