On Feb. 19, 2015, Cabell Huntington Hospital filed a suit against Michael D. Jackson and Mistie R. Jackson to collect for unspecified “past due medical bills” in the amount of $505.24, according to a complaint filed May 23 in Putnam Circuit Court.
The Jacksons claim at no time prior to filing the suit did Cabell or any of its agents contact them to inform them that they had outstanding medical bills.
Cabell, through counsel, solicited the Jacksons to sign a confessed judgment that would forfeit certain legal protections and which threatened them with prohibited attorney fees and costs, along with abusive threats of wage garnishment and the seizure of personal property, according to the suit.
The Jacksons claim Cabell is believed to have engaged in a number of unfair debt collection practices, including filing suit against parties that are not responsible for the subject debt.
As a direct and proximate result of the sundry acts of Cabell, the Jacksons have suffered economic losses, annoyance, inconvenience, aggravation and embarrassment, according to the suit.
The Jacksons claim Cabell’s actions violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, which entitles them to actual damages.
Cabell also attempted to collect a debt through unfair or unconscionable means, according to the suit.
The Jacksons are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Jason E. Causey of Bordas & Bordas; and Thomas F. Basile of the Law Office of Thoams F. Basile.
Putnam Circuit Court case number: 16-C-120