topic Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill? in Rebuilding Your Credit

Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 06:47:07 GMT

I had a situation about a year and a half ago where I was involved in a car accident that was not my fault in route moving to a new address and state. Long story short, I never received a bill for the ambulance ride and it is listed as the only collection on my credit report. It's almost $700 and they are refusing to remove it from my credit report, even if paid.

My question to you is if I don't pay it, will I get sued? I know public records can knock your score down and obviously want to avoid this. The part that makes me nervous is that it is a law firm that has the bill. Any help would e greatly appreciated.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

RobertEG — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:38:35 GMT

I would suspect that the real issue is your legal obligation for the debt.

Have they explained how you are obligated? Any statutory provision?

Lacking any billing for the debt, upon what are they basing a date of delinquency?

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Repo-ed — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:02:32 GMT

Well, it sounds like the debt is legitimate.

Perhaps offer them a PFD.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:41:52 GMT

What's a PFD?

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

pizzadude — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:44:23 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
What's a PFD?

PFD --> pay for delete. The CA would remove the entry from your credit reports in exchange for payment.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

RobertEG — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 20:25:42 GMT

I am not so sure that I would just consider the reporting to the CA as legitimate. The debt may be legitimate, but that does not necessarily make any credit reporting of a specific delinquency in payment legitimate.

Reporting a collection requires the debt collector to obtain a DOFD from the OC, and report that date to the CRA within 90 days of reporting their collection. FCRA 623(a)(5).

DOFD is based on a specific date of delinquency. If the creditor never billed you, you had no specified date for receipt of any payment.

If you never signed an agreement that otherwise established a specified a date of obligated payment, I dont see a reportable DOFD.

I would make that argument as the central focus of a PFD offer..... you never had a knowlingly delinquent debt.

You are willing to pay, but it should not be reported in your CR as a collection you were delinquent upon.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 06:29:00 GMT

They absolute REFUSE to do a PFD. This is why I don't want to pay it but I'm terrified they could sue me, thus dropping my credit score drastically.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 07:34:53 GMT

Did you mail in a PFD or speak to a CSR? ~

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 21:18:42 GMT

I spoke with a very stern CSR who in no way shape or form was willing to do a PFD. She claimed it was their policy and gave me the line about how it would be against the law to report incorrectly. I even tried telling her my story and trying to get her to empathize with me to no avail. I tried calling back and speaking with a different rep but it's a small firm and she is the one in charge of my account so they always transfer me specifically to her.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 01:38:41 GMT

I'd also like to reiterate, my biggest fear is being sued and as a result having a negative public record on my credit score. What are the odds of getting sued for this? If I am sued and pay the amount instantly, will I have a negative public record?

What would you do in this situation? As stated, the debt is a little over a year old so paying it off wouldn't bring my credit score up any unless we can arrange for them to delete the record from my report. What are good techniques for this?

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:46:06 GMT

It's always best to send a letter
I have had 18 items removed from my TU report 2 of which were Ambulance bills I went through Lexington law
They may be able to help you. Just a thought, but I know you can do it on your own.
Maybe a more seasoned person here can advise you better

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:53:15 GMT

If someone could help me my family, my credit score, and my future would sure appreciate it!

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

pizzadude — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:59:34 GMT

I would just keep going with the PFD letters, eventually you might get thru to someone who'll take you up on the offer.

IMO the odds of being sued for this small of an amount are relatively low, but it's always a possibility.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 02:40:39 GMT

Most medical will take small payments like $10 small payments until paid in full or you make an offer, regardless while paying they will more than likely will not post a judgment... or sue.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:13:14 GMT

If I start making small payments now, can I negotiate a PFD in the future?

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:26:50 GMT

Absolutely. The only time you would do a PFD is if it is on your credit. (pay-for-deletion) making small payments in my experience kept it from even posting to my credit.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:29:00 GMT

I should add to ALWAYS get it in writing! My BAD!!

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:12:24 GMT

It's already on my credit report is the problem...

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Lasardo — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:40:10 GMT

Well you can still make small monthly payments..This should alleviate your anxiety about being sued where most CA will not post a judgment against you while you are making payments.

Re: Will I get sued for an ambulance bill?

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:49:47 GMT

That's what I'm thinking about doing, just don't know if that means I'll forfeit any leverage I might of had previously