A couple is suing Cabell Huntington (W.Va.) Hospital, alleging the organization violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by illegally attempting to collect debt, according to a West Virginia Record report.
CHH sued the couple Feb. 19, 2015, to collect for unspecified "past due medical bills" in the amount of $505.24, a complaint filed May 23 in Putnam Circuit Court shows, according to the report. The couple, Michael D. Jackson and Mistie R. Jackson, claim neither the hospital, nor any of its agents, informed them that they had outstanding medical bills before a lawsuit was filed against them.
According to the report, the Jacksons' lawsuit claims CHH, through counsel, solicited the couple to sign a confessed judgment which included threats of wage garnishment and the seizure of personal property.
Additionally, the couple claims the hospital is believed to have engaged in various unfair debt collection practices, including filing suit against parties that are not responsible for the subject debt.
The Jacksons are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest.
The hospital could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning.
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