Dealing with medical debt can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing calls and letters from debt collectors. In Oregon, there are specific time limits within which collectors can legally pursue you for unpaid medical bills.
What is the statute of limitations on medical debt in Oregon?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for medical debt is typically six years. This means that debt collectors have six years from the date you last made a payment or acknowledged the debt to file a lawsuit against you. After this period, the debt is considered “time-barred,” and the collector can no longer sue you to collect the debt.
However, while the statute of limitations prevents debt collectors from suing, it does not mean the debt disappears. You may still be contacted by collectors, and the debt could remain on your credit report for up to seven years, depending on the specifics of the case.
How does the statute of limitations apply to medical debt?
The six-year period starts from the date of the last payment or the last time you acknowledged the debt. If you make a partial payment or even send a written acknowledgment of the debt, this could reset the statute of limitations. That means the clock would start over, giving the collector another six years to pursue the debt.
It’s important to keep in mind that while debt collectors may not be able to take legal action after the statute of limitations has expired, they can still try to collect the debt through other means, like phone calls or letters. However, once the debt is time-barred, they cannot legally force you to pay through a lawsuit.
What happens if a medical debt collector sues after the statute of limitations expires?
If a debt collector tries to sue you for a medical debt after the statute of limitations has passed, you can raise the expired limitation as a defense. The court will typically dismiss the case, but it’s important to make sure you respond appropriately.
If you’re facing medical debt in Oregon, understanding the statute of limitations can help you better manage your financial situation and avoid unnecessary legal battles.
