Legal Question in Consumer Law in New Jersey

Would I be liable to pay hospital charges incurred by a visitor from another cou

I had a visitor from a different country stay at my place while on vacation. This person needed to see a doctor. We went to the ER of a local hospital. When they asked for insurance info, I also gave my phone number and address. This person has returned to their home country. When the hospital bill was sent to my address, I found the cost to be way beyond what I could have imagined it to be. I doubt this persons national insurance will make a dent in the billed amount. A message from a collection agency was left on my answering machine today. If this visitor does not pay anything beyond what their insurance will pay, am I liable for the remainder of the cost, which would be substantial? Thank you. BTW, for what it's worth, I'd be quite willing to pay a reasonable chunk of an unreasonable bill.

My ''paranoid'' concern is, if the visitor does not pay the whole bill, would that be considered something like theft of services and would I be considered an accessory to this situation and then be held liable?


Asked on 8/25/05, 11:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Would I be liable to pay hospital charges incurred by a visitor from another

Much depends on what you signed and agreed to. Most hospitals will not treat unless someone signs and agrees to pay the whole bill. I will need detailed information to guide you. I have in the past fought with several hospitals about substantial bills. 973 890 0400

Read more
Answered on 8/26/05, 10:26 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in New Jersey