I was served with a small claim from a collection agency in the amount of $ 7200. It has the court seal and all of that so I know it is real. It tells me I have 14 days to respond to the court by doing one of the following; Pay the Plaintiff the amount of the claim plus filing fees, demand a hearing, or demand a jury trail. If I fail to do this within 14 days the clerk of the court will enter a default judgement against me for the amount claimed plus filing fees and service expenses, plus a prevailing party fee... Now, there is no way that I can pay the 7200 in full.. Do you think I can go to jail for this if I do not respond to this claim? What would you do? Do you have any advice? The best thing to do is to pay the medical bills before it gets to this point, but it
is already to late.. I have learned the lesson, but need a little help to get out of this hole..thanks everyone..
Answer by 1st Buzie
They will just take your car , house etc.
Answer by Froggy
You will not go to jail. If you do not show up they can garnish your wages but that's a different step so it will not happen right away. If you go to the court date you may be able set up some sort of payment plan.
Answer by scooby
All they can do is sue you,which is what they are basically are doing now. You wont go to Jail. You cant go to jail over a a default judgement. They can't take your house or car either.
All you can do is make out a payment arrangment with the company and keep it, until its paid off. Unless you know for sure theres part of it that your insurance company should have paid.
Answer by Valerie
You can't go to jail for civil matters. If you do nothing, they will will and will get a "judgment". Then the company has to enforce the judgment. The easiest way for them to do this is to find out where you work and have your wages garnished. If you have any assets, they will attempt to attach them - like if you own a home they will put a lien on it. Cars cannot usually be attached. Are you sure you owe the $ 7200 or is this being made higher by late fees, etc.? If you owe the $ 7200, go to court, explain your financial situation, and the judge will set a payment plan. This is the same as a judgment, so be sure to do whatever the judge orders. If you believe the amount has been unfairly inflated by fees, etc., consider disputing the amount of the bill. Often judges will reduce amounts owed if the fees, interest, etc. are unreasonable.
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Orignal From: Small Claims Court for Medical Bills... Can I go to Jail?
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