I know someone who has died unexpectedly in the hospital, because I was there and are related to the patient I had to sign the hospital papers because the patient was not able to, The patient died, I was told the hospital will come after me and try to sue for the money for the hospital bill for the 2 day stay and care from the patient, Can I be held responsible the bill, I am not the overseer or gaurdian of the patient who has died, Will and can I be sued for hospital payment because I had to sign the papers of responsibilty of payment? Do they have the right to come after me for someone elses hopital bill?
2006-08-16 23:57:56 · 11 answers · asked by brite star 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The patient was elderly.
2006-08-17 00:11:32 · update #1
If you signed a document stating that you would assume responsibility for payment, then you have to assume responsibility for payment. You are entitled to reimbursement by the deceased's estate. You need to talk to the deceased's heirs.
2006-08-17 00:01:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is why it is vital to READ everything you sign prior to signing it. If you signed it and that is what it said, then you are liable. However, if you obtain a lawyer they may be able to argue that you were taken advantage of and that your decision was made under duress thus absolving you of your debt.
Plus, if you are not the guardian of the person or the executor of their estate or a direct relative, you have better chances for not being liable.
2006-08-17 10:55:31 · answer #2 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work at a collection agency in the legal dept. and I was always advised by our attorney that if say a grandparent, babysitter, etc. signed to have the child treated then they could by law be held responsible. Now it is stupid if a parent lets it get that far. This was in the state of IN.
2006-08-17 07:08:01 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you sign her name? Or your name? If you signed your name, you could be held liable. Hospitals have the right to collect from persons who claim to have responsibility. If you signed your name; you may have claimed responsibility, depending on what you have signed. Good Luck!
2006-08-17 10:21:12 · answer #4 · answered by working mom of 3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, how did you sign the patients hospital with your name or someone else's name. It really all depends..
2006-08-17 07:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by Daniela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without a power of Attorney, you are not liable. However if such an instrument was created, then you are liable. If you signed under your own name however, then it is a different matter. You will be liable for such payment.
2006-08-17 07:06:24 · answer #6 · answered by Frank 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Huh?? Why would you sign for payment?? Even so.. Play dumb.{!} Say you didn't know what you were signing. Any lawyer can get you out of this if it comes down to it.
2006-08-17 07:10:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't you read an agreement before signing??? Ofcourse, if you sign, it means you agree with what's on the paper.
2006-08-17 07:01:55 · answer #8 · answered by paliminka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
only if you signd for a minor i guesss
2006-08-17 07:06:55 · answer #9 · answered by poison_ivy_sam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not sure, hell i hope not! just keep a good solicitors number handy!
2006-08-17 07:00:57 · answer #10 · answered by livinia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋