More than ever, Americans are stressed out about medical debt. Considering the devastation COVID-19 has wreaked on the US, it is understandable that millions are now having to paying off medical expenses they never expected. As so many lost their jobs though and fell ill or were forced to deal with grieving the loss of family or close friends, health and finances became unfortunately and unexpectedly entwined during the 2020-2021 timeframe.
Medical debt has been a problem in the US just like in previous years but is expected to be exponentially worse as Americans begin to feel the fallout from doctors and hospital visits and stays, procedures, prescriptions, and financial issues related to long-term health problems which could be a repercussion. While generally ranking as the number one reason that individuals in the US file for bankruptcy, medical bills can be overwhelming whether an individual is injured in a car accident, sick with coronavirus, or struggling with any other illness.
Recent news shows that the medical costs associated with COVID could be much higher than anticipated; in fact, some patients have seen bills as high as a million dollars. And while it is understandable that filing for bankruptcy may be the only way out when the sums involved are exorbitant, in other cases it may be possible to negotiate a suitable payment plan. Hospitals may also be especially amenable to offering considering discounts on delinquent bills. And while they may not be offering such programs, many times all it takes is for a patient to ask.
If you are being sued over a medical bill, consult with an experienced medical debt attorney as soon as possible to discuss how to reply to the lawsuit, as well as finding out more about what type of defense is possible. If negotiations are out of the question, your attorney may be able to direct you to a very strong defense, especially in times of COVID. The key is to act no matter what—rather than procrastinating. And while the temptation to push such matters under the rug are completely understanding, especially during such challenging times, that could lead to extremely negative repercussions later.
Failing to answer to a lawsuit or to show up in court could lead to consequences lasting up to 20 years. If you do not act, and a default judgment is granted against you, that means there is the potential for wage garnishing (up to 25 percent in California), levying of bank accounts, and seizure of property.
Speak with an attorney from Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC as soon as possible to examine your options. Our attorneys have decades of experience in serving clients as they navigate through challenging financial situations, to include student loan issues, bankruptcy, and other debt management processes. We are here to help! Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation, call us at (844) 431-3851, or email us at info@debtorprotectors.com.