Can a creditorl report my account to collections after 5.5 years without sending a single bill?

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Can a creditorl report my account to collections after 5.5 years without sending a single bill?

After being turned down for a credit card because of a past due medical bill, I looked at my credit report to find a hospital bill from 5.5 years ago. Apparently there was a portion not paid by my auto insurance. I was a student at the time and had no medical insurance with auto insurance under my parent’s policy. I contacted the hospital to see why I owed money since I did not know I did and never received a bill. They said they tried billing to my home address which they gave was my parent’s. My parents or I have never received a bill. Then 2 months later hospital sent account to collections. Do I pay it? SOL?

Asked on February 18, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Florida

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

A creditor can report a delinquent account to collections that is more than five years old even though you were never sent a bill for the alleged money owed.

From a practical point of view, if no lawsuit was ever filed with respect to the bill that is over five years old, the time to file suit is most likely barred by the applicable statute of limitations.

I suggest that you consult with an attorney who practices in the area of consumer law to assist in getting the negative comments on your credit report about this old bill removed.


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