Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Illinois

I had a roommate that left a bill in her name. Since I have a bad credit standing, I didn't switch the service into my own name. I was paying the bill on time for about 9 months before it was late and she was contacted by the company to take the bill out of her name. She then paid the balance so it wouldn't hurt her own credit and is now trying to collect the amount from me... and rightfully so. It has been a struggle getting her paid back because of my own situations. She is now threatening to take me to court for the funds, lost time at work to have the court look at the case and even the cost of a private investigator to find out where I am currently living so I can be served court papers. While morally, I know this situation is wrong, but does she have any legal stance in this matter? Isn't it negligence on her part?


Asked on 11/01/11, 3:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

By the same logic, if I leave my car unlocked, and someone steals my laptop, you are saying I am responsible for my laptop getting stolen? You ran up a bill in someone else's name without permission. You are responsible for it. Simple as that. Consider yourself lucky she is not trying to have criminal charges brought against you.

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Answered on 11/02/11, 1:56 pm


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