Chiropractic bill went to court processing, what do I do?

Last year I saw a chiropractor before I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. About two months ago I got a bill for 120.00 from him. This bill was on a Microsoft Word sheet of paper with no breakdown of what I was paying for. I figured since I payed my co-pay this was what my insurance was required to pay. I didn鈥檛 see another bill so I figured the balance was taken care of.
I was served papers last week for the amount of the bill, plus court costs, and his lawyer fee. I don鈥檛 mind paying the bill, but why was it taken to a lawyer? Should I call the lawyer and try to settle this before my court date next Monday?
The sad thing is, when I was diagnosed, my doctor said chiropractic care is very dangerous for someone with my disease. He had full xrays of my spine and never once mentioned the irritation on my hips (a telltale sign of A.S.) The chiro couldve broken my back, but I coundted it as water under the bridge. What should I know before I call the lawyer?What do I say?

since I saw him I was diagnosed, went through two types of chemo, on disability, and miscarried. A lot has happened and his misdiagnosis kept me from getting the correct type of care.

Usually chiropractors or any doctors don't send bills to a lawyer. They are usually handled through a collection agency. Call the lawyer and settle out of court.

If you have the money to pay the lawyer now, pay him now.

The fact that you were misdiagnosed by this chiropractor is a separate issue. You were provided a service by this physician, be it wrong or right for you and you need to pay for that service. You didn't complain about it when the bill was sent and it's only now that you're being taken to court that you are going to deal with it so just pay what you owe and get on with life.

It won't do any good to tell the lawyer about your situation. The lawyer doesn't get paid to care. He gets paid to collect your debt.

I know that I sound cruel but I went through the same thing over a vet bill for some of my animals. Call the chiropractor and tell him you're going to pay the bill and ask them what they want you to do so you can clear this up.

If this doctor examined you and "reasonably should have" diagnosed your condition and therefore "should not have" treated you in the manner that he did, you have a good case for a lawsuit. I suggest you see a personal injury lawyer. Most will give you a free consultation and if they believe you have a case, they will take you as a client on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your lawsuit.

I do not believe in frivolous lawsuits and believe that doctors who provide professional and honest treatment should not be attacked for any minor mishaps. But if a medical provider is more interested in the health of his bottom line than in the health of the patient, then I say he deserves all he gets.

See a lawyer.