Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

In collection and can't pay

I was injured at home a year ago. I have no insurance. I was treated at at UCLA Harbor County Hospital. I racked up a bill of twenty thousand dollars for surgery and immediately went into collections because I dont have that kind of money. I made arrangements to pay but due to a slowdown in work I've missed two payments. now they are demanding the full six thousand I still owe. Don't have it!

What can they do? They threatened to turn me over to the Treasury Department. I don't know what that means. Mostly I'm worried adout my credit rating. Do you have any advice for me?


Asked on 10/17/02, 7:38 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: In collection and can't pay

It sounds like the Plaintiff violated the Federal Fair Debt Collection Act.

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Answered on 10/20/02, 5:40 pm
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: In collection and can't pay

Thank you for your posting.

A creditor can put negative information on your credit rating, which can hurt your ability to get debt in the future. Also, although I am not sure what the "Treasury Department" means (although I'm pretty sure it's not the U.S. Department of Treasury, which prints our money), a creditor does have the right to sue you and garnish wages, or take a lien on property you own, such as a bank account.

You may wish to explore your bankruptcy options, which may discharge, or eliminate this debt, and get you a fresh start from the debt.

Thanks again, and if you have any questions, or need further assistance, please feel free to email me, or call my office toll free at 1-877-568-2977. Best of luck, and I'm happy to help in any way that I can.

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Answered on 10/17/02, 5:23 pm


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