Information wanted: I'm being sued :~(?

Question

Hi I just received a notice of claim today, it says I have been sued by radiologic Assc. for $842.48. First I don't remember ever receiving any bills from this company, and second I'm scared to death to go to court, granted its is only small claims court but I'm still scared. What happens at this court? At this point I'm not working so there for I can't pay this debt, Will I be forced to get a job? Also is there any way that I could be arrested when I go to court? Please explain this to me. Thank you

I have support, I live with my fiance and he supports me, provides for me but as far as my debt he is not responsible for that. I am

Answer 1

You absolutely won't get arrested. It's civil, not criminal. You won't be forced to work. Don't be scared, small claims is meant to settle things quickly. Call up the Radiologic Assc or whoever is on the suit as the "Plaintiff" and see if you can find this bill or why you owe this money. Ask them if they would be willing to settle this out of court, and offer them something in payment if they'll drop the suit.
Whatever you do , DO NOT FAIL TO GO TO THE HEARING if you don't get them to drop it. Then they win by default, and can garnish your wages from any future job you have. And they will. It's nerve wracking, but remember that courts and laws are there to prevent people from having a duel over some issue.
Go to the court and ask the clerks what you can do. They will have a book of information and helpful suggestions as to how you can proceed.
If you feel that you're being wrongly charged, file a counterclaim against the Plaintiffs.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

This is a civil suit, not a criminal case. You won't have to go to jail; unless you are wanted for a crime.

As to the case itself, did you recieve services from this company? If so, then you owe the money. If you did and the insurance companies messed up, then you still owe the money but you can sue the insurance provider to get it back.

If you never recieved services from this company you should not owe the money.

As far as owing the money goes, you should take proof of your unemployed status. The judge might take pity on you and let you pay the money back in installments over time or if you are bankrupt, they will have to get in line behind the others you owe money to.

However the best thing to do is to settle with the company. Offer to pay it off in a set time period-say a year or so (not much longer than that) . Then pay them monthly until the debt is cleared. Also ask them not to charge interest.

Even if you settle with the company out of court, go to your hearing! That way things are not screwed up and you will not be sideswiped by the Radiologic Assc.

Answer 3

$800 is an amount you could get arrested for, but it won't happen. If you're found guilty you will be forced to pay the money back plus court costs. I am 95% sure you will not get arrested, the company wants their money and you can't pay it back if you're in jail.

I would first call this company and see if there is a payment plan and try to find out why you have incurred this debt, it could be a mistake but I doubt it. They may not talk to you if this is already going through court or they may be willing to go through mediation where you will be brought in to tell your side and the company's representative will tell their side and then you will most likely just be made to pay the money back and they could even garnish wages(no job might be a problem).

I would secondly, if none of this works, I would call a lawyer. You could probably get a consultation and advice for less than a $100, but then might have to pay more for more services and still have to pay the money, but the lawyer could help and get you out of any potential jail time if there is any.

Lastly, if you're parents can help, don't be afraid to tell them. Parents have gone through a lot and have a lot more resources at their disposal than you do, in most cases.

Answer 4

If it's anything like our court system here - first appearance ~ you go sit in the courtroom and wait on them to call your name off of the docket. You'll go before the Judge, the Judge will ask whomever is there representing the R.A. what this is in regards to - the Judge will then ask you something like, do you feel like you owe this money? Most of the time, first time court appearances, the Judge allows the R.A. Rep. to speak to you privately and discuss the matter, to see if you can come to terms on a payment plan or explain to you what the charges are for. Unless you come up with a plan then and there with the Rep. the Judge will normally ask for a reset date to give you and the Rep a chance to come to an agreement.
If an agreement isn't met by the time the next court date rolls around, you show up in court again.

Bargain with these ppl if it is your debt, they are going to hit you with court costs, interest, and attorneys fees - best bet is to call them prior to the court date and ask what's the deal - settling out of court saves you added fees.

Answer 5

Sounds like you had some X-rays taken, or an MRI/CATscan?

They can be surreptitious in their methods, but usually those charges are covered by most medical insurance. Do you have Medical Insurance?

As far as going to court, although you may get a judgment against you, it is up to the Radiologic firm to collect. That is another story.

Answer 6

First, don't panic. Call the radiologic associate and request those documents to proof that you owe that money.

Force to get a job??! you mean you won't need job if u no need to pay that claim? how about your current living? who is supporting you?

You won't be arrested to court so fast one. They won't spend another few hundreds to order you to go to court unless you still drag it for months and no reply to the claim.

Answer 7

First thing is first.. Never admit you CAN pay for it.

Claim how poor you are and that there is NO way that you can afford it. If you give them even the hint that you can, they will ream you!

Answer 8

I agree with guitargad