Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Collection for medical bills

I have worked for a hospital for 4 years, and was served a subpoena to appear in court next week. My ex-husband was a patient in the hospital I am now employed at in August of 1993 and let a $1,500 medical bill go to collections. I was just served last month. It has been almost 8 years since the date he was seen. Is there a statute of limitations for medical claims, and if so, has it run out yet?


Asked on 3/31/01, 1:01 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roy Hoffman Law Offices of Roy A. Hoffman

Re: Collection for medical bills

The "medical claim" you describe is nothing more than a contract claim. The statute of limitations in California is either 2 or 4 years, depending on whether it is in writing.

However, you describe being served with a "subpoena." A subpoena is generally an order by a court requiring you to appear for a trial, or some other type of hearing. Those types of hearings generally relate to an on-going lawsuit, or to hearings held after a judgment has been entered. It may be that you are being called to testify at some sort of hearing. I suggest you contact an attorney in your area, show that attorney whatever it was you were served, and ask that attorney what effect it has. Since you say you are to appear next week, I suggest you do not delay.

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Answered on 6/04/01, 4:35 pm


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