My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: GA
A family member was served a Complaint for Collection of Account here in Georgia, in Magistrate Court, for several hospital bills that total around $500. Plus the debt collector wants to charge for court costs and “reasonable attorney fees”. We can’t pay it right now. The attorney for the debt collector filed right away in Court, (no prior demand letter or anything from them) and the complaint reads like a regular debt collector’s letter, only it’s filed in court.
This is the summons we got:
XXX Debt Collector Inc.
Assignee for XXX Hospital
Plaintiff
Vs
Defendant
Complaint for Collection of Account
COMES NOW Plaintiff in the above-styled action, [name of Debt Collector] by and through its attorney of record and states as follows:
1
The law provides that you be advised, this communication is from a debt collector. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained, etc, etc,...
(the usual wording in a debt collection letter)...
… If you request in writing within thirty days after receiving this notice, Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s attorney will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
2
Defendant is a resident of xxxxxxxxxxx Georgia and is subject to the jurisdiction and venue of this Court.
3
The following accounts have been assigned by XXXX Hospital at Xxxxxxxxx to Plaintiff for collection from Defendant who is responsible for the services provided and owes said moneys.
Date of Service Amount Due
xx-xx-07
xx-xx-07
xx-xx-07
xx-xx-08
The amounts on the right total around $500.00. ranging from around 10 dollars to around 350 dollars.
I think that most of the bills are for co-payments, but I'm not sure. There was a change of insurance companies and the new insurance co. paid less of a percentage.
What is the best thing to do here? Contact the debt collecter and try to work out a payment plan?
Or should I go to Court and answer with a Notice of Intent to Defend and ask for validation of the debts, and also proof of assignment?
Most of the billings probably have documentation from the hospital. Does it hurt us to go to Court and have the Plaintiff validate the debt?
Thanks in advance for any help.

