Medical Debt Blues

Attorney Image By: James Filippi
Medical Debt Blues photo

Does medical debt have you feeling blue? It may not seem fair that on top of needing to see a doctor or go to the hospital, you also must deal with some awfully expensive medical bills that most of us could not even dream of paying because they are so exorbitant.

Unfortunately, doctors, hospitals, and laboratories can sue and get a judgment against you. This allows them to garnish your wages, seize your bank accounts and even foreclose on your house. Medical bills can leave you without money and homeless if you allow that to happen.

I have done a lot of work with people who owe medical debt, and there are 4 things I have learned:

Medical debts are a BIG problem for many people.

You are not alone. A federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau study found that 59% of debt collection calls were related to medical bills [1]. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, more than 40% of American families have gone through major financial stress due to medical expenses [2].

Being in debt can be bad for your health.

A Gallup survey of college graduates from 1990 to 2014 found that those in debt were sicker than those who were not, especially due to the stress related to debt [3].

Given the vulnerable situation, be careful from whom you seek help.

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to stay away from debt relief companies that charge fees before settling your debts, make guarantees about getting rid of unsecured debt, and make promises about being able to put an end to all debt related lawsuits and calls.

Be Smart and Strategic

Whether you amassed the debt quickly, after an unexpected medical crisis, or accumulated the debt in a slow spiral, the stress of a lawsuit does not help. Nor does ignoring the situation in hopes that it will go away. It will not, but a qualified, experienced, trustworthy attorney can advocate for your best interests and give you back a sense of control.

There may be a chance my legal team and I can help. Our approach is compassionate, yet strategic. We will work to stop the constant phone calls and debt harassment. You do not have to live under a cloud of debt with no hope of paying it off. This challenging situation can be solved intelligently, and in a way that respects your dignity.

Every debt situation is unique, and we recognize that. We are your resource to improve this situation for you. We will promptly answer any questions you have, and we will make sure you understand the entire process.

Do not deal with this alone. Trust that you will be happy that the Filippi Law Firm was by your side helping you through this situation.

We are here for you, every step of the way!

Filippi Law Firm, P.C., provides legal services in estate planning, probate, trust administration, trust litigation, and personal bankruptcy in the greater Sacramento area, with a focus in Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, and Granite Bay. Give us a call at (916) 333-7910 or fill out the contact form to get in touch with our office. Consultations are free, and they can be done over the phone, via Zoom, or in person at our office in Rocklin. Prepare for your future and work with the best estate planning attorneys today.

[1] https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201701_cfpb_Debt-Collection-Survey-Report.pdf

[2] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/sick-in-america-poll/

[3] https://news.gallup.com/poll/174317/student-debt-linked-worse-health-less-wealth.aspx

Satisfied Client Stories

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Everyone I dealt with in this office was kind and professional. My attorneys Jim and Tori were exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful to me. Thank you Filippi Law Firm.

Christina E. | Granite Bay, CA
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So very appreciative of all the staff they are all amazing!!!! It took me a few years thinking about getting a trust. Once I met the team I was amazing how much knowledge and comfort they gave me then I was wondered what took me so long you ask? Well I found a 5 star company and employee, trust me I did all your homework and searching for you, don’t wait take the step and move forward, you can call with any questions trust me I had plenty, extremely patient and return calls or emails promptly. I have preferred numberous people to them. They also have male and female attornies. Thank you so kindly to all!

Judith E. | Roseville, CA
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Mr. Filippi and Ms. Votino were prompt and professional. Tori was very respectful of my time which resulted in a quick process and a refund of more than what I expected from my original deposit. The potential plaintiff also received a significant amount less than what they were asking for regarding a real estate transaction. I will definitely use again to update my trust.

Jeri S. | Lincoln, CA
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We used Filippi Law firm for out trust needs. Everyone we worked with was professional, friendly and very thorough. Whether we met in person or virtually we never felt rushed and they took the time to explain everything to us. I would highly recommend them for your trust needs.

Susan L. | Lincoln, CA
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Filippi Law Firm was simply exceptional at revising my trust. It is the second time I’ve revised it and they did it for less than a quarter of what I paid for the first one (and this one was more complicated).
I have no doubt this is my last revision as they were thorough and addressed questions that I had not thought about prior to working with their firm.
I cannot recommend Filippi law firm more highly!
With gratitude,
RT

Renee T. | Loomis, Ca
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I really enjoyed meeting Jim Filippi and his team. Although, we had to hold off on doing our estate planning for now, we will definitely use Filippi Law Firm in the next year or two. Jim impressed me with his presentation, and his character. Jim came across as decent, humble, and honest. These are qualities that are sorely lacking in our society in 2025, much less among lawyers and politicians. I think Jim has carefully built his business or firm over many years and is keen to maintain its excellent reputation, and overall integrity. He is a former policeman and fireman who has not forgotten his working class roots and commitment to public service.

Robert Y. | Roseville, CA

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