I had a bill for a hospital visit back in april 2004, I have just been served to pay this bill i forgot i even had..( its a whopping $240. i am sure they have already written off) isn't there a statute of limitations on how long this collection agency can file a suit against me?
2006-12-26 09:52:27 · 6 answers · asked by mslorikaraoke 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
A creditor can technically try to collect a bill forever; however, there is only so much time allotted for legal recourse. That is what statute of limitations is. You can read more about statutes at the following link. The Statute of limitations is different in each state. This site gives you a break down by state of the statute of limitations.
http://www.cardreport.com/laws/statute-of-limitations.html
2006-12-26 10:10:17 · answer #1 · answered by ♥chelley♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
credit cards are listed as open accounts my point is you may not have to pay it if enough time has elapsed.do not admit to the debt! I should have added this, If you feel that that medical bill should have been payed by insurance company, you maybe able to fight that! and if the time limit has passed, they(the insurance company) may be willing to take that charge back over from you(being they no longer have to pay it) or even if they do, then you can work at getting it removed from your report! Most states have statutes regulating debt collection activities. Generally, these state statutes apply to original creditors and not national debt collection agencies and collection attorneys, who are regulated under federal law by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or FDCPA. Most state statutes have language and regulations that are very similar to the FDCPA. If you believe an original creditor has violated your rights while trying to collect a debt from you, look up your state's law to find out what action you can take against that creditor and with whom you should file a complaint. Usually, the Attorney General in each state oversees debt collection agencies and would handle all complaints. If you believe a collection attorney or debt collection agency, such as one that would work for a major credit card company, has violated your rights, research the FDCPA and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov.
2016-05-23 08:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a statute of limitations on how long they can sue. The length varies by state. I would bet 2 1/2 years is well within the limit anywhere in the US. Also, as someone else said, just because the statute of limitations expires, doesn't mean they can't try to collect. It only prevents them from filing a lawsuit.
2006-12-26 10:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't really matter. If you owe it, you should pay it. Sure you can argue and fight with debt collectors, which will likely be the next step. But if it's not yet in "charge-off" status, you should pay it.
A collection is much less severe than a charge-off. A charge-off means the creditor gave up and took it for a loss. Then they sell it debt collectors who hound you. Clear it up as quickly as you can to avoid more drama and bad credit.
Learn more about credit and mortgage:
http://www.thetruthaboutmortgage.com
http://www.thetruthaboutcreditcards.com
2006-12-26 12:39:24 · answer #4 · answered by Todd S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the following website: www.ihatedebt.com
This website has answers for all sorts of debt.
2006-12-26 15:15:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the bill collectors and find out.
2006-12-26 09:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by Good Grief 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋