The middle class is disappearing. The economy is losing jobs and families are finding it harder and harder to stretch their incomes to pay for everyday living expenses. Just one unexpected car repair bill or injury is enough to send many into bankruptcy. Huge medical bills are seemingly the primary factor that motivates people to seek the help of a bankruptcy attorney.

In the wake of the economic downfall, many people have lost their jobs and, in turn, lost their healthcare coverage. Those who are uninsured and unexpectedly hit with an injury, illness or surgery that needs extensive hospital treatment, can easily face thousands of dollars in medical bills. The medical to repair a broken leg in Florida runs around $15,000 depending on the type and place of therapy.

Additionally, many health insurers today are requiring those that do have health insurance pay higher deductibles-the amount of money insured’s must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will start paying-to offset the skyrocketing costs of health care in the U.S. This could easily be thousands of dollars. Many families are living paycheck to paycheck and just don't have that kind of rainy day fund.

Lastly, statistics show that many people are reluctant to default on their medical bills. With medical bills, people feel compelled to make good on those debts. If you're sick, it's the person taking care of you. People hit with huge doctor bills are forced to pay them with high interest rate credit cards.

Call us to find out how to negotiate these bills with the health care provider, or more frequently, the collection agency hired by the provider. Alternatively, many medical expenses can be written off in bankruptcy.

For more information about how to discharge medical bills in bankruptcy or to negotiate with hospitals and medical providers, contact attorney Tim Patykula at 772.408.6969, ext. 5.