Overwhelmed by Medical Bills? Hire Medical Debt Attorneys in Bellingham

Did you know that 31% of Washington families have medical debt? It's no secret that the cost of medical care in the United States is out of control and only getting more expensive. Although we have some of the highest quality medical care in Bellingham, that care also comes with high costs. Medical bills and debt can quickly add up, especially when you face a chronic or lifelong condition.

For over 30 years, we've seen very financially responsible families all over Whatcom County and Washington state face undue hardship due to piling medical bills. The mounting debt can quickly lead to wage garnishments, repossession, and home foreclosures that only exasperate their difficult circumstances. We understand the toll medical bills and debt can take on a family, and we're here to fight for you.

Contact our Bellingham medical debt relief attorneys now for a free consultation. During the meeting, we'll explore legal debt relief options to help you recover from crushing medical bills and get your finances back on track.

What Can I Do if I Can't Afford My Medical Bills?

Simply, medical costs in the United States are out of control. Life-saving procedures can cause immense amounts of debt to stack up. When medical bills overburden you, it feels like you have no way out–especially when your health is still an issue. If you cannot afford your medical bills, don't despair. There is hope and a way out. Start by consulting with our Bellingham attorneys specializing in medical debt relief. We'll explore several legal options, including:

• Negotiate A Payment Plan: Many healthcare providers are willing to set up interest-free payment plans to make bills more manageable. An attorney can help negotiate terms that fit your financial situation.
• Request Financial Assistance: Washington law requires nonprofit hospitals to provide charity care or reduced-cost services to eligible low-income patients. An attorney can determine if you qualify under Washington law and assist with the application.
• Challenge Billing: Medical bills often contain errors, such as duplicate charges or services not received. Count on your attorney to audit your bills, dispute inaccuracies, and ensure you're only paying for legitimate charges.
• Explore Debt Relief Through Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy can halt collection efforts immediately under an automatic stay. Your attorney will help determine which Chapter, if any, is right for you.
• Protect Your Rights Under The Law: Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), abusive or harassing behavior by debt collectors pursuing unpaid medical bills is illegal. An attorney can enforce these rights and seek damages for violations.
• Negotiate A Manageable Settlement: In some cases, medical providers or collection agencies may accept a reduced lump-sum payment to settle the debt. Your attorney can negotiate your medical bills on your behalf to secure the best terms.
• Protect Your Assets Through Exemptions: Washington state laws protect certain assets, like your home and retirement accounts, from being seized to pay medical debt. An attorney can help safeguard what matters most.

Our skilled Bellingham attorneys specializing in medical debt relief will help you find the best solution for your case.

What Happens if My Medical Bills Are Sent to Collections?

When your unpaid medical bills are sent to collections in Whatcom County, the healthcare provider assigns and/or sells your debt to a collection agency. The collections agency will then attempt to recover the amount you still owe. Here is what happens after:

1. The collection agency contacts you via phone, mail, or email to demand payment. Always remember that under the FDCPA, collectors must identify themselves and provide details about the debt you owe.
2. You have 30 days from the first contact to request written validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection efforts until they verify the debt's legitimacy.
3. If your debt remains unpaid, the collections agency can report it to credit agencies, which damages your credit score. In Washington, medical debts are not reported to credit bureaus for at least 180 days after the original delinquency date, providing some time to resolve the issue.
4. If the collection agency cannot recover payment, they may file a lawsuit against you. Creditors can pursue wage garnishments or bank account levies to recover the amount owed if the judge issues a judgment.

If your medical debt goes to collections, you must call our medical debt lawyers in Bellingham. We will negotiate with your creditors, challenge invalid claims, and explore your legal debt relief options. Our team will also devise a strategy to protect your financial future.

Can Medical Bills Be Discharged in Washington Bankruptcy?

Yes, the Washington Bankruptcy Courts can discharge medical bills during bankruptcy. Your attorney may explore it as an option to relieve mounting medical debt and consider two types:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Known as "liquidation bankruptcy," Chapter 7 allows for the elimination of unsecured debts, including medical bills. In this process, the courts may liquidate your assets to pay off creditors, though many assets are exempt. To qualify, you must pass the Washington Means Test, which evaluates your income and expenses. Once you file Chapter 7, the Courts will discharge your medical debt, meaning you no longer have to repay it. This gives you a fresh start without the burden of ongoing debt.
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Also called "reorganization bankruptcy," Chapter 13 lets you keep your assets while developing a repayment plan to manage your debts over 3 to 5 years. Medical bills are combined with other unsecured debts and prioritized based on your ability to pay. To qualify, you must have a stable income, as the plan requires consistent monthly payments. The Whatcom County courts discharge any remaining medical debt at the end of the repayment period, giving you a fresh financial start.

Our Bellingham attorneys will help you understand which Chapter of bankruptcy–if any–is right to relieve your medical debt.

Can a Bellingham Lawyer Help Me Reduce My Medical Bills?

Our knowledgeable attorneys have been defending our Bellingham neighbors for over thirty years. We know the legal system and the Whatcom County Court inside and out. With knowledge of all the options available for people facing medical debt, here are some of the strategies we will explore to help you find relief:

• Negotiate Directly With Your Medical Providers: Our attorneys can work with hospitals or clinics to negotiate lower balances or set up manageable payment plans, often reducing the total amount owed.
• Review Billing Statements For Errors: Our Bellingham lawyers will carefully examine your medical bills for incorrect charges, duplicate entries, unauthorized fees, and disputing errors to lower your debt.
• File For Bankruptcy: If medical debt is unmanageable, our attorneys will help you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which can discharge or restructure your medical bills, providing legal relief and halting collection efforts.
• Apply For Financial Assistance Programs: Many medical providers in Washington offer charity care or financial assistance programs. Our well-connected attorneys can guide you through the application process and advocate on your behalf.
• Enforce Consumer Protection Laws: Our Bellingham attorneys can ensure that collection agencies comply with the FDCPA and Washington state laws, protecting you from harassment and negotiating fair settlements.
• Challenge Subrogation Claims: If an insurance company seeks reimbursement from a medical settlement or payout, our lawyers can challenge or reduce the amount they claim.
• Pursue Debt Settlement: Our medical debt attorneys can reach agreements with creditors to accept a lower lump-sum payment to fully satisfy your debt.
• Prevent Medical Liens: Our Bellingham lawyers can work to prevent or release liens placed on your property due to unpaid medical bills, protecting your assets.

Want to learn more ways we can explore to find legal debt relief? Call us now for a free consultation with our Bellingham legal team. We'll review your legal options and answer any questions.

Work With Bellingham Medical Debt Attorneys Near Me

Bellingham offers a healthy lifestyle for everyone who lives here. With outdoor activities like hiking the scenic trails of Whatcom Falls Park, kayaking on Lake Padden, or joining yoga classes at places like Yoga Northwest, it's easy to stay fit. Further, Bellingham has excellent medical centers like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, Unity Care NW, and Bellingham Advanced Medical Imaging, offering residents access to top-tier care. Unfortunately, despite a wholesome lifestyle and great medical care, sometimes our health can fail us, resulting in mounting medical bills that can quickly become overwhelming.

Our attorneys live and work in Bellingham. We are part of this beautiful community, which is why we care deeply about our neighbors. Our team believes that you should not lose your financial security because of medical issues––there is a way out. Call us now to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you break free from medical debt for good.

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