Can I Sue for Wasted Time Due to Doctors Incorrectly Billing Me?

[audioresearch]

I'm in Massachusetts.

I've been billed by two doctors for items I already paid and for which I have receipts proving it.

Can I sue for the time I've had to waste to send copies of the receipts to the doctors as a result of their billing errors?

Even after I mailed copies of the receipts, both have continued to bill me.

So far, I've paid none of these bogus bills since I don't really owe the money.

Can I sue under MA ch 93a for treble damages? If I can, then do I have to first pay the bills in order to have damages or in the alternative, is there any theory I can use to claim as part of my damages the amounts I am being billed even if I don't pay those amounts?

[acmb05]

Originally Posted by audioresearch

I'm in Massachusetts.

I've been billed by two doctors for items I already paid and for which I have receipts proving it.

Can I sue for the time I've had to waste to send copies of the receipts to the doctors as a result of their billing errors?

Even after I mailed copies of the receipts, both have continued to bill me.

So far, I've paid none of these bogus bills since I don't really owe the money.

Can I sue under MA ch 93a for treble damages? If I can, then do I have to first pay the bills in order to have damages or in the alternative, is there any theory I can use to claim as part of my damages the amounts I am being billed even if I don't pay those amounts?

Are you serious? What did it take you about 5 minutes to copy and mail.

Go to the offices and tell them they need to stop billing you and show them the receipts.

[applecruncher]

That's like suing for time 'wasted' in doctor's waiting room or the time spent in grocery story check-out line. You spent more time registering and posting your problem on this site than you did on the copying and mailing.

I was on hold for 9 minutes the over evening with my cell ph carrier. Hmmmm.

Call or stop by their office, show your documentation, and tell them to stop sending you bills.

[JustAPal00]

Actually I did read about a lawyer who sued a doctor for wasted time in a waiting room. The lawyer sent the Dr a bill and when the Dr didn't pay it took him to court.

[applecruncher]

Originally Posted by JustAPal00

Actually I did read about a lawyer who sued a doctor for wasted time in a waiting room. The lawyer sent the Dr a bill and when the Dr didn't pay it took him to court.

and . . . ?

[Debt Guy]

Can I sue for the time I've had to waste to send copies of the receipts to the doctors as a result of their billing errors?

Of course. One of the most fundamental of rights is the right to seek redress of a wrong in court. English common law settled that question four or five hundred years ago.

But, you are asking the wrong question.

1. Can I find an attorney would would represent me with a straight face?
2. Can I afford the retainer for my attorney?
3. Will it hurt when the judge whacks me on the head with his little wooden hammer?
4. Can I afford the legal fees of the doctor when the judge rules that my suit is frivolous?