Legal Question in Consumer Law in Ohio

Answer to Complaint

I live in Ohio and received a Complaint filed 12/27/04 for a hospital bill. I have to file an Answer within 28 days. On what date is my Answer due? Do I count only weekdays, or weekends and holidays? Where can I find a free Answer form? I have no full-time job, and work temporary jobs through temporary staffing agencies, and have no assets. Is it unlikely that this will proceed to a court hearing. I have contacted the hospital attorney and advised the attorney of my work situation, and inquired if the debt could be settled. Is there anything else that may help me? Please reply ASAP. Thank you.

Thank you.


Asked on 1/19/05, 8:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Answer to Complaint

The clock starts on the day you received the complaint - 28 days later if you have not filed an answer there will be a default judgment entered against you. You count every day, but for practical purposes if you file an answer a few days late the court would probably accept it. Once they have a judgment they will be able to depose you as to where your assets are. If you don't have any they can't take what you don't have - once you have the money to pay it then you will have the judgment released after you pay it. If the hospital becomes convinced that you will never have it they will ultimately accept less than what is owed.

Call me directly if you like:

Joe Jacobs

216-952-1990 /

216-227-0900

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Answered on 1/20/05, 1:05 pm


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