Stuck with Hospital Bill

[mcasadei]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? 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. The cut was in no way life threatening and I still would have been able to work that evening without the stiches. 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?

 

[tjr5150]

I may be wrong but in my opinion you are responible for the just for the fact that you are in a culinary student meaning you pay them to go to school

 

[mcasadei]

I believe that since the school's policy requires me to recieve medical treatment whether I want it or not they should be responsible for the bill. Is anybody else familiar with this type of incident or have an opinion? Did I post this in the correct forum? You would think that the school would be required to carry some sort of liability insurance, or require that all students sign release waivers. This is a fully functional kitchen that serves the public. I am considering hiring a lawyer but don't want to be out even more money if I really should be responsible.

 

[Beth3]

I believe that since the school's policy requires me to recieve medical treatment whether I want it or not they should be responsible for the bill. Just because you believe it doesn't make it so.

Is anybody else familiar with this type of incident or have an opinion? Did I post this in the correct forum? You might want to repost your question in the Education Law forum as this is not actually a worker's compensation issue.

The school may have required you to take a physical before accepting you as a student - that doesn't obligate them to pay for those medical bills either. I understand where you're coming from but I don't see that the school is liable for your medical bill.