If I received medical treatment that did not help, do I still have to pay?
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If I received medical treatment that did not help, do I still have to pay?
I received medical treatment from a chiropractor for my neck but the treatment did not help me at all in fact seemed to make it a little worse. Now the doctor wants me to pay off his fee of $2000. Do I still have to pay him? In view of the fact that his treatment didn’t help when he claimed it would? I am trying to negotiate with the doctor and he has offered me a 34% reduction in the cost of the treatment but only if I pay in a lump sum by the end of this month. It’s still $2000 which is a lot of money to come up with. I know that other doctors are offering the same treatments at half the price.
Asked on January 23, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, chiropractors are not in the same category as medical doctors in the sense that this is not considered medical malpractice. No surgery or treatment (medical or otherwise) is ever guaranteed and since you chose this individual and willingly signed documents agreeing to be responsibe for the fees, you will be required to pay. If you do not pay, you will be subject to litigation by this person or collections processes and it appearing on your credit report. Consider your options and see if you can negotiate it down further or with further free treatments.
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