Hospital’s request to delay trial on collection law violations denied by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Briane Pagel | | Consumer Protection
Wisconsin Court of Appeals

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals on October 17, 2024, issued an order that will require Hess Memorial Hospital to stand trial on charges it violated the Wisconsin Consumer Act.

Hess sued a patient, and the patient retained Attorney Briane Pagel and LawtonCates, S.C., who filed a counterclaim alleging that Hess had engaged in illegal collection practices and violated the Wisconsin Consumer Act. Hess claimed it was not subject to the Act, but the Circuit Court disagreed and denied Hess’s motion to dismiss. Rather than proceed to trial, Hess attempted to delay matters by asking the Court of Appeals to allow it to appeal now, rather than at the end of the case. The Court of Appeals’ order today denied that request.

This is the second time in 2024 that Lawton Cates has established that hospitals are subject to the Wisconsin Consumer Act’s debt collection rules.

If you are struggling to pay bills, getting harassed by creditors, or facing a lawsuit, contact LawtonCates for a free consultation with our consumer protection lawyers today.

Author: Briane Pagel
Briane Pagel

Briane Pagel has for more than two decades dedicated his practice to consumer protection. He has helped countless families protect their homes, cars, and bank accounts from predatory lending and collection practices. In doing so, Briane has helped establish and clarify rights that will provide important protections for families for years to come.