Los Angeles Medical Debt Bankruptcy Lawyer in Chapter 7, 13 and 11
One of the leading causes of bankruptcy is medical debt and bills. Medical debts are skyrocketing in Los Angeles. An emergency procedure, unexpected illness, or injuries from an accident can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. Even those with insurance coverage may be personally responsible for many thousands of dollars in doctors’ bills, ambulance fees, and hospital costs.
And, in many cases, ongoing medical issues may prevent the individual from returning to work and earning wages. This situation can quickly become overwhelming.
Often this leads to using credit cards to pay medical bills, incurring even more debt. And interest on the credit card debts quickly makes it impossible to pay down the debt balances.
I understand how difficult it is to deal with medical and other debts. It is both emotionally and financially draining. I am a Los Angeles area attorney with experience helping individuals eliminate medical and other debts in bankruptcy cases since 1991.
California Attorney Helping to Discharge Medical Debt in Bankruptcy
Medical debt can be fully discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. The Chapter 7 process is fairly quick and allows debtors to recover quickly from financial burdens. In most Chapter 7 cases, you get to keep all your assets and do not have to make any payments. For those with higher income or assets which are not exempt, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is another option. The Chapter 13 process requires debtors to repay a portion of their debts through a repayment plan. Depending upon the amount of debt and the filer’s income, the payments may be drastically reduced and last for three to five years. At the end of the process, certain debts, including medical bills, are discharged.
Once a debt, including medical debt, is discharged in bankruptcy, the creditor or provider may no longer pursue collection actions against you. As a lawyer dealing with these issues for over three decades, I know that for many, putting an end to harassing collection calls or threatening letters is a major relief.
Stop your debt spiral. An attorney can help with this. Contact me to learn about your options for bankruptcy to determine the best approach to eliminating your medical and other debts, and whether Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy is appropriate for you.
Los Angeles Attorney Filing Bankruptcy on Medical Debts When Needed
Attorney Mark Markus
I am Mark J. Markus, an attorney that has advised and represented clients in bankruptcy cases to stop wage garnishments and other collection actions since 1991 in the Greater Los Angeles Area. I am a Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
I understand how difficult the decision is to file bankruptcy. My practice is structured to minimize surprises and problems in bankruptcy cases that often arise with other bankruptcy attorneys.
Open communication is a hallmark of my representation and I promptly respond to client questions. All work is done by me, a bankruptcy lawyer, in my Burbank, Los Angeles office. No paralegals or assistants.
Bankruptcy cases are only filed by my office after weighing all alternatives and analysis of the pros and cons of filing.
My firm serves all cities and counties in California, including counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside, Fresno, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Contra Costa, Shasta, Marin, Alameda, Kern, and San Francisco and cities including Burbank, Glendale, Sylmar, Panorama City, Simi Valley, San Fernando Valley, Irvine, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Huntington Beach, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Torrance, Agoura, Long Beach, San Fernando, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Anaheim, Hollywood, Riverside, San Bernardino, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pasadena, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) About Medical Debt In California Bankruptcy
Will My Doctor Still Treat Me After Discharging Medical Debt in Bankruptcy?
Most doctors and hospitals will continue to have you as a patient after a bankruptcy case. But some may not. You can agree to pay the debt of a specific doctor or hospital in order to be able to continue to use their services. This is a personal decision you need to make depending on the specifics of your situation.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay My Medical Debts in California?
Like any other unsecured creditor, a medical creditor such as a doctor, hospital, or other medical facility, can sue you and obtain a judgment against you. With a judgment, they can collect by garnishing your wages, seizing your bank accounts, and putting a lien on any property that you own. Of course, filing a bankruptcy case will stop all collection actions.
Who Collects the Wage Garnishment Money?
It is typically the Sheriff’s office for the City in which the garnishment takes place, that receives and disburses the wage garnishment funds.