Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

Disabled and being sued

In the year 2000 i was unemployed and without insurance. I became gravely ill and was brought to a doctors office and was treated. I was diagnosed at that time with hypertension which has since led to renal failure. I am now disabled and waiting for my long-term disability and Social Security disability to kick in. The doctor who initially treated me in 2000 is now suiing me for 1700.00 in unpaid medical bills. I told him at the time I had no insurance. Do I have any recourse? If I have a judgement placed against me can they touch my disability when it begins?


Asked on 6/18/06, 4:51 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Disabled and being sued

I am not sure what you mean by whether YOU have "recourse?" The doctor has "recourse" for the debt you owe for the services provided. Apparently, the services were neceaary and perhaps saved your life, so I would expect that is a debt many people would especially want to honor. If the doctor obtains a judgment, he can seek payment from non-exempt assets.

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Answered on 6/18/06, 9:38 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Disabled and being sued

While some disability payments may be safe, some private ones may not be. And the second they land in your bank account, they can be seized.

If you owe the money you owe it. The doctor, and not you, is the one with recourse. If you can pay, work out an arrangement. If not, and if you also have other debts, a bankruptcy may be a route to take (visit http://www.glenashman.com for a free worksheet if you are thinking of bankruptcy). A bankruptcy likely would erase that claim (and many others). No one can assess if that is an option without a lot more information.

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Answered on 6/18/06, 9:51 am


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