Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts
bill for hospital stay, staff said falsely that state would pay the bill
A friend visiting from Mexico became seriously ill, so we went to the emergency room. After he was stabilized, the doctors insisted he stay overnight for monitoring. We told them he had no insurance, was not a US citizen, and did not live in the US. They assured us MassHealth would cover the bill, so he agreed to stay. They were wrong about that, and are now telling him he owes $12,000. We asked to speak with a social worker at the hospital to confirm the payment situation before he was admitted, who did not appear until just before he was discharged, and who also said it wouldn't be a problem, and that the business office would contact him in Mexico with the forms to fill out verifying his low income for the Mass benefits. The doctors and nurses also failed to communicate with him in Spanish or provide a translator throughout the stay, although it was clear his English was very limited. This is a non-profit teaching hospital in Massachusetts. There's no chance he can pay the bill. What can they do to him, and what kind of legal help does he need? He still lives in Mexico.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: bill for hospital stay, staff said falsely that state would pay the bill
Since there is no treaty, convention or other bilateral agrement between the United States and Mexico on enforcement of judgments, suffice it to say, even assuming the hospital obtains a judgment in Massachusetts against this debtor, it will be extremely difficult to enforce and collect upon the judgment.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
