When a Pennsylvania consumer has a significant amount of debt and cannot pay, it may result in unpleasant consequences. One of these is wage garnishment, which happens when a creditor gets a court order to have an employer withhold a portion of a consumer’s paycheck. This is legal, but it can be very frustrating for a consumer who is already struggling.
Many households are experiencing financial difficulties right now because of job loss and reduced income. This can make it difficult to pay regular monthly expenses, and a medical emergency or unexpected event can result in new medical bills, compounding financial trouble. Despite these hardships experienced by many, garnishment and other aggressive collection practices are still common.
It may be possible to work out a payment plan with a hospital or medical care provider if a patient is unable to pay. In some cases, even reduced balances and payment plans do not really help a Pennsylvania consumer who is also struggling to pay for housing, food and clothing. Medical expenses are often not something one can plan for and prepare for, and even with health insurance, bills can still quickly pile up.
For someone who is facing insurmountable medical debt and facing the threat of wage garnishment, consumer bankruptcy may be a reasonable option. This process allows a filer to deal with this or her debt while also halting all collection efforts. This is a major financial decision, and it’s wise to discuss this possibility with an experienced attorney before making the choice to file for bankruptcy.
