Legal Question in Consumer Law in Florida

Re: Frozen Account

The hospital cannot freeze your bank account. They may have garnished (forced the bank to pay them what the bank owes you) the account. That would empty it of whatever was in the checking account or savings account -- but not the CDs since they are not yet due (they have not matured). They would typically need a judgment to garnish the account.

You need to go down to the bank itself and find out what has hapenned. How much was garnished (that would reduce your bill by that amount). Go get the answers from the Bank, then deal with the hospital. You might be able to negotiate a lump sum payment for much less if the CDs would cover it.

Good luck.

Re: Frozen Account

Mr. Wagner has made a very good suggestion. Try to bypass the collections people and deal with the bank and hospital directly. You would be surprised how many people are able to negotiate their bill down.

Re: Frozen Account

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It sounds as if either a case has been filed and there is a pre-judgment writ of garnishment or there is already a judgment of which you may not be aware. I would check the court records online to determine the status of the matter.

You should certainly attempt to deal directly with the hospital to work out a repayment, however, they may choose not to speak with you since a lawyer is already involved. If you cannot resolve this with the lawyers, then I would suggest you ask the court for a conference with all parties present. At that time explain your situation to the judge and ask for a reasonable payment plan. Of course, you must be responsible enough to live up to your agreement when you make one.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.