Michigan
I am a culinary student at NMU. Recently during a production class, I was sharpening the kitchen knives. One of the knives slipped while I was honing it and cut me on the back of my thumb. After hearing of the accident the Insrtuctor checked the injury and said that I needed to go to the hospital for stiches. I responded that the cut wasn't that bad and refused any medical treatment. My instructor continued that it was a matter of school policy and that she was required to have public safety escort me to the hospital. I followed her instructions and recieved 2 stiches and a tetanus shot. Now the hospital has sent me an $800 bill and the dean of students will not pay the bill. I would never have seeked medical attention for this type of injury on my own. Shouldn't the school be required to take care of my bill, or better yet have insurance since the students do opperate a functional cafeteria and restaurant? What can I do to get the school to take care of my hospital expenses?
I am a culinary student at NMU. Recently during a production class, I was sharpening the kitchen knives. One of the knives slipped while I was honing it and cut me on the back of my thumb. After hearing of the accident the Insrtuctor checked the injury and said that I needed to go to the hospital for stiches. I responded that the cut wasn't that bad and refused any medical treatment. My instructor continued that it was a matter of school policy and that she was required to have public safety escort me to the hospital. I followed her instructions and recieved 2 stiches and a tetanus shot. Now the hospital has sent me an $800 bill and the dean of students will not pay the bill. I would never have seeked medical attention for this type of injury on my own. Shouldn't the school be required to take care of my bill, or better yet have insurance since the students do opperate a functional cafeteria and restaurant? What can I do to get the school to take care of my hospital expenses?
) The shcool's policy also requires that I be escorted to the hospital. Fortunatly a public saftey officer was available and an ambulance wasn't necessary. I do not have any medical insurance and I haven't signed any liability waivers. My teachers have been very supportive of me and are fighting with the dean on my behalf. Also they have refused to follow this policy until an agreement that won't harm students financialy can be reached. She has also put me in contact with a local orginazation that might be able to provide me with insurance at no or little cost.