Served summons for a 481.00 Medical Bill

[loripadilla]

I am so relieved that this forum is still here. I used it 5 years ago with incredible results. New dilemma...

Diagnosed a year ago with cancer, I had to go on disability during treatment. I paid what medical bills I could. I was just served a summons for a 481.00 medical bill. I thought I had paid it already. I need to respond to the summons- the CA involved was in fact assigned this debt in July 29th 2010. They wasted no time in filing with the court.

I have no problem paying this debt- but they are asking for 12% interest as of Feb of this year as well as all other fee's. Any tips, advice?? I live in Washington State.

The summons does not list a court date......it reads

1. The plaintiff is Washington corporation in good standing and licensed in the State of WA under the WA State collection Agency Act. The plaintiff was assigned the claim here in as shown.

2. The defendants compromise a marital community under laws (Not married)

3. The defendents owe plaintiff's assignor Tumor institute radiation the principal sum of 481.00, plus interest at the rate of 12% from 2/18/2010, plus costs of suit and attorney's fees, pursuant to the terms set forth in the statement of the account, a copy of which is attached hereto exhibit A

Wherefore plaintiff prays for judgement against the defendent as follows

1. For the principal sum plus interest of 12%

2. For costs of suit, collection costs and attorney's fees

3. For such other and further relief as the court deems proper

Dated August 12, 2010

Signed by attorney

How shoiuld I respond?? No dollar amounts listed for costs, attorney fees, and whatever the courts deem proper.

Edited September 6, 2010 by loripadilla
Adding more info

[FL4answer58]

I am so relieved that this forum is still here. I used it 5 years ago with incredible results. New dilemma...

Diagnosed a year ago with cancer, I had to go on disability during treatment. I paid what medical bills I could. I was just served a summons for a 481.00 medical bill. I thought I had paid it already. I need to respond to the summons- the CA involved was in fact assigned this debt in July 29th 2010. They wasted no time in filing with the court.

I have no problem paying this debt- but they are asking for 12% interest as of Feb of this year as well as all other fee's. Any tips, advice?? I live in Washington State.

How shoiuld I respond??

My journey began as result of a medical debt. We had ourselves in the unfortunate financial position as result of health / medical and loss of employment.

The debt was also a small amount equal to your sum or there about. I received a summons for small claims court – and I settled by calling the collection agency. As a result we now face many others who have IMO point toward this settlement as a green light to sue us as well. I wish I knew then what I know now – I would have opted to go another route then settle and become a target on a debt collectors risk assessment database.

After several other attempts by other CA’s we have stemmed the tide and turned the corner for some relief – but it’s taken several hard fought cases to get the debt collectors to recognize us less then an easy target.

My only tip; Read everything here and learn to reduce your own risk as a bull’s-eye and target for further litigation. Don’t settle but negotiate your results to favor records that reduce your exposure to additional CA’s. You may not get a ‘win’ or a dismissal but the target on your back will disappear and may save you from having to deal with additional letters like these.

Since you have ‘no problem paying the debt’ – then do so if you think you should settle – but negotiate (in court if need be) – to find a solution to get a less then negative result and/or judgment that would reflect poorly on you and as result advice others to come after you as well.

Don’t make yourself a target.

Edited September 6, 2010 by FL4answer58