Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Re: limations on unpaid doctor bill

I don't know exactly what you are asking so I'll try to answer what I think you are asking.

Can you be sued for the unpaid medical bills of another person. Yes and no. If you signed the person into the doctor's office or otherwise guaranteed payment then you probably can be sued. Or if the person used some sort of joint account you may be able to be held liable.

On the other hand, if you have no relation to the matter other than just being a co-tenant then no you cannot be held liable. Unfortunately that does not prevent collection companies from harrassing you and the original debtor until kingdom come.

In the fisrt case you can either negotiate a settlement or plead poverty and deal with it through the system. In the second case I find that you can lessen your aggravation by read the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and holding the collection company to the letter of the law. If they step out of line, sue them in small claims court for the statutory maximum and try to prosecute the case fully.

You may be able to find a local attorney who would take the claim for you, but since the value is negligible you may have to wear out some shoeleather to do so. Also, it may be to your benefit to take all the materials you have to a local legal climic where they may be able to assist you with this matter.

Regards,

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]