One of the last things you expect after paying a medical bill is to find a debt collector at your door months later looking to collect the money you’ve already paid. Unfortunately, these matters are not uncommon and can have serious results if not handled correctly. As such, if you are being contacted regarding a paid bill, the following blog explores how these matters happen, the steps you can take to remedy these circumstances, and why when to contact a California debt collection defense lawyer.
Why Would a Paid Medical Bill Go to Collections?
Unfortunately, there are several reasons that a bill you have already paid would go to collections. Generally, one of the most common is due to processing errors. If the system the medical offices use to process payments experiences a glitch or is entered into the system incorrectly, it may cause your balance to appear as outstanding.
Another common cause of this error is due to late payments. If you make the payment well after the balance is due to be paid, it may be sent to collections before the creditor or payment processing system can update your account balance.
Finally, if you fail to update your billing address to ensure it is accurate, the payment you made may not be associated with your account. This can result in it appearing as though you failed to pay the bill when, in actuality, you did.
What Steps Can I Take to Remedy This Issue?
If you are contacted by a debt collector in regard to a medical bill you have already paid, it’s imperative to take action as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many assume that because they have already submitted a payment, they can brush these matters off as an accident or clerical error. However, this is far from the truth.
It’s important to take legal action as quickly as possible during these difficult times, as you’ll find that simply ignoring the debt collector can result in a lawsuit against you. Not only can discovering that a lawsuit has been filed against you be incredibly overwhelming, but if you do not respond to the complaint in time, the court can order a default judgment against you, meaning the collector can garnish your wages to pay a balance you have already paid.
As such, the first thing you should do when contacted is immediately dispute the debt, ask for a debt verification, and submit proof of previous payment. Once the collector receives proof that the bill has been paid, they are responsible for contacting the credit reporting agencies to remedy the error. However, if they insist that the bill is outstanding, it’s in your best interest to contact a consumer defense attorney.
At Loker Law, APC, we believe no one should be held responsible for a bill they have already paid. That’s why our team is committed to fighting for you during these incredibly difficult times. We can help you dispute the bill and take legal action against the appropriate parties if necessary. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
