What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ
Last year i went to a "pain management" facility/factory for "treatment". I had health insurance but my co-pay was very high so i could not afford it. Prior to my first visit there was a verbal agreement between me and the owner of the facility the co-pay will be waived 100%. I will not pay out of pocket, they will take whatever my insurance pays. I was referred to that place by a friend who was a patient there and asked the owner if he would waive the co-pay, to which he agreed. I had a family member drive me to my first appointment who also confirmed with the facility owner there would not be a co-pay charge. After 5 visits i asked if everything was ok and i could continue. They said i could. After my 10th visit on my way out i was approached by a masseuse who told me i owe money. She handed me a piece of paper with the amount owed and told me to sign it. I worked 11.5hr day, was very tired and could not think straight after the therapy session. I felt like i had to sign it just to leave that place. I never returned. After a while i received a letter from their collection attorney. I explained to the attorney there was a verbal agreement and i have two witnesses, one is a family member and one unrelated to me.
Now i'm being sued in small claims for "past due medical bill". I have two witnesses willing to testify in court. Does my signature mean anything in this case? Can i counter-sue for my lost time from work and get compensation for my witnesses?
Last year i went to a "pain management" facility/factory for "treatment". I had health insurance but my co-pay was very high so i could not afford it. Prior to my first visit there was a verbal agreement between me and the owner of the facility the co-pay will be waived 100%. I will not pay out of pocket, they will take whatever my insurance pays. I was referred to that place by a friend who was a patient there and asked the owner if he would waive the co-pay, to which he agreed. I had a family member drive me to my first appointment who also confirmed with the facility owner there would not be a co-pay charge. After 5 visits i asked if everything was ok and i could continue. They said i could. After my 10th visit on my way out i was approached by a masseuse who told me i owe money. She handed me a piece of paper with the amount owed and told me to sign it. I worked 11.5hr day, was very tired and could not think straight after the therapy session. I felt like i had to sign it just to leave that place. I never returned. After a while i received a letter from their collection attorney. I explained to the attorney there was a verbal agreement and i have two witnesses, one is a family member and one unrelated to me.
Now i'm being sued in small claims for "past due medical bill". I have two witnesses willing to testify in court. Does my signature mean anything in this case? Can i counter-sue for my lost time from work and get compensation for my witnesses?