Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia
Deceased patient
If a patient dies leaving medical bills and the spouse says he/she has no way to pay, does the debt have to be written off? If not, what process(es) can be initiated for collection?
Asked on 1/19/07, 7:19 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson
Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson
Re: Deceased patient
If the spouse is sued for what are determined to be necessary medical expenses incurred in behalf of the deceased, a judgment is likely to be entered against the surviving spouse,
and the judgment creditor could then undertake action to enforce this judgment by garnishing this spouse's wages or seizing other assets such as bank accounts.
Answered on 1/19/07, 9:55 am