Expert Medical Debt & Billing Resolution
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult enough without the added stress of confusing bills and aggressive collection agencies. At Cannon Legal PLLC, we provide comprehensive legal services to help you tackle medical debt head-on.
- Debt Validation & Disputes: We audit your medical bills for errors, duplicate charges, and “surprise” billing violations. If a bill is incorrect, we handle the dispute process directly with providers and collection agencies.
- Harassment Defense (FDCPA & TDCA): If debt collectors are calling you repeatedly, making threats, or misleading you, we step in. We enforce your rights under federal and state laws to stop the harassment immediately.
- Credit Report Repair: Medical debt can unfairly damage your credit score. We help you dispute inaccurate reporting to the major credit bureaus to ensure your financial health is protected.
- Litigation Services: When collection agencies violate the law, we are prepared to aggressively represent you in court to seek damages and debt relief.
Your Defense Against Unfair Billing
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, but you do not have to fight it alone. Here is why thousands of consumers trust Cannon Legal PLLC:
- Nationwide Representation: Whether you are in Texas or across the country, our team has the reach and resources to handle complex billing issues across state lines.
- Deep Legal Expertise: We don’t just understand medical billing; we are experts in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state-specific protections like the Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA).
- Aggressive Advocacy: We stand between you and the debt collectors. We handle the calls, the letters, and the negotiations so you can regain your peace of mind.
- Holistic Protection: We don’t just stop the calls; we look at the bigger picture, including how the debt affects your credit score and your financial future.
Proven Track Record: We have helped thousands of consumers resolve their medical billing and collection issues, often resulting in debt reduction or complete elimination of invalid debts.
Common Questions About Medical Debt & Your Rights
Medical billing codes and debt collection laws are complex. A lawyer can navigate these legal processes, negotiate directly with creditors for a better settlement, and represent you in court, significantly increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Yes. We can step in at any stage—whether you just received your first confusing hospital bill, have a collection agency calling you daily, or are facing a lawsuit.
The DTPA protects consumers against false, misleading, and deceptive acts. If a medical provider misrepresents the cost of services or engages in “unconscionable” billing practices, they may be in violation of the DTPA, giving you grounds for legal action.
It can negatively impact it, but you have rights. The credit bureaus must report accurate information. If the debt is incorrect or clearly invalid, you can dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). We assist clients in cleaning up their credit reports regarding medical debt.
The TDCA is a specific Texas state law that mirrors many federal protections but applies to a broader range of debt collectors. It outlines strict rules on what collectors can and cannot do when operating within Texas.
The FDCPA is a federal law designed to protect you from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. It gives you the right to dispute debts and dictates how and when collectors can contact you.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for debt collection is generally four years from the date of the last activity on the account. After this period, a creditor legally cannot sue you to collect the debt, though they may still attempt to contact you.
Yes, creditors can sue you for unpaid medical debt. If you receive notice of a lawsuit, it is critical to respond promptly. Ignoring it can lead to a default judgment against you. We can help you understand your defense options.
Red flags include calling you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., using profane language, threatening you with arrest, lying about the amount you owe, or contacting your friends and family about your debt.
No. Under the FDCPA and TDCA, once you send a written “cease and desist” letter, the collector must stop communicating with you, with very few exceptions (such as notifying you of a lawsuit). If they continue to call, they may be breaking the law.
Act immediately. Contact the medical provider to request an itemized bill and inquire about the discrepancy. If the issue is not resolved, you have the right to dispute the debt in writing. Cannon Legal PLLC can assist in drafting these disputes to ensure they are legally sound.
You are protected by federal laws like the FDCPA and state laws like the TDCA. These laws prohibit debt collectors from harassment, using false or misleading statements, and engaging in unfair practices. You have the right to be treated with respect and to verify that the debt is actually yours.
Illegal actions can include harassment (repeated calls, threats), false statements about the debt or the consequences of non-payment, contacting third parties about your debt, or attempting to collect on a debt that is not valid.
The DTPA protects consumers against false, misleading, and deceptive acts or practices. If a medical provider engages in deceptive billing, misrepresents the cost of services, or acts unconscionably, it could be a violation of the DTPA.
A lawyer can provide expert advice on your rights, help you navigate complex legal processes, negotiate with creditors, and represent you in court if necessary, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome and reducing stress.
Yes, we can assist you at any stage, whether you’ve just received an initial bill or are dealing with ongoing collection efforts.
Generally, the statute of limitations for debt collection in Texas, including medical debt, is four years from the date of last activity on the account.
Yes, you can be sued for unpaid medical debt. It’s important to respond to any lawsuit promptly and seek legal advice to understand your options and potential defenses
You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report with the credit bureaus. You should also ensure the medical debt information is accurate and complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (based on our previous conversation).
The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive and deceptive debt collection practices.
The TDCA is a Texas state law that regulates the actions of debt collectors, outlining what they can and cannot do when trying to collect a debt.
Under the FDCPA and TDCA, you have the right to tell a debt collector to cease communication with you by sending a written request.
You should contact the medical provider immediately to inquire about the discrepancy and request an itemized bill. If the issue persists, you can also dispute the debt in writing with any collection agency involved.
You have rights under the FDCPA and TDCA, which protect you from harassment, false or misleading representations, and unfair collection practices.