Expert: Terry Leeders - 10/14/2007

Question
I had an accident in July putting me close to 40,000 in debt in medical bills. Broken jaw, surgery, broken teeth etc. I have been putting some on charge cards & paying them & also making small payments to the hospital. I am also keeping current with all the other minimum CC payments that I have taken loans on due to missing 6 weeks of work. Yes, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.


I just took on a new AMEX card with 0% interest on PURCHASES to help pay more doctors over the next 3 months. I need to use this card strictly for medical & I want to pay these doctors who are helping me. They require payment as it goes along. I may have another 4 months of treatments & repairs.
I do not know if I can stay a float through the next four to six months before getting to an attorney, but I am trying.

I cannot file until after all the Doctors release me.
Will it be ok to use this Amex strictly for medical bills seeing it is a new card? I will pay on this card also... Or will this cause me problems.
Please & Thank You in advance.

Answer
You should speak to a bankruptcy attorney immediately, as recent usage can draw objections in a bankruptcy.  Also, a potential personal injury suit is an asset in a bankruptcy that you would have to watch.  It would be best to list medical bills in the bankruptcy, instead of running up credit card debt to pay for the medical.  Do speak to an attorney, sooner than later, as he can help you plan the best course of action to take.