No ER Treatment Suing Me

[Frankie52]

I fell and broke my cheek, thought I was a victim of abuse, called 911 the next morning, was taken to a local hospital ER. I was followed in by three heart attack victims. At no time did I receive any treatment, except an X-ray to confirm the break. Hours passed and I was repeatedly told what a low priority I was. I was not even offered an ice pack. Finally a rude doctor came in and wrote a prescription for antibiotics and released me.
Now I am being sued for non payment of an outrageous $480 bill for nothing. What should I do?

 

[JETX]

Your options:
1) Don't pay them. They could then take you to court and possibly get a judgment against you. If this happens, you will also be liable for legal fees and costs.
2) Try to negotiate an acceptable payment based on the facts. Then pay it and move on.
3) After negotiating an acceptable amount (see #2), you can pay it then take small claims action against them for any improper billing.

 

[vrzirn]

A bruised cheek with possible hairline fracture hardly qualiifes for a 911 call the following day. You could have put on an ice-pack yourself and gone to see your own doctor.
ER patients are seen according to a system called "triage", which determines who is most in need of care. Life-threatening situations take precedence over bruises.
You did call for an ambulance (911), you did have an x-ray(which was read by a radiologist), and you were seen by a doctor. You do have to pay for those services.They are not free. The fees are on a schedule.
Certainly, you may try to dispute or negotiate them but your outrage is unfounded.
You might have a better cause for recovery if you filed a police report and sued the person who hit you.
A negotiated payment would probably include a release precluding further legal action.