Can you be garnished for unpaid medical bills in Washington State?

In the state of Washington, unpaid medical bills can lead to garnishment of your wages if the debt has been reduced to a judgment by a Washington state court, and certain conditions are met. Here is an overview:

1. Legal Proceedings: If you have unpaid medical bills, the creditor or healthcare provider may first try to collect the debt through other means such as sending you bills or calling you. If these attempts are unsuccessful, they can file a lawsuit against you in a Washington state court.

2. Default Judgment: If you do not respond to the lawsuit or fail to appear in court, the court may enter a default judgment against you. This means the court finds you liable for the unpaid medical bills, and the creditor can then take steps to collect the judgment.

3. Wage Garnishment: Once a judgment is entered against you, the creditor may be able to garnish your wages. Garnishment is a legal process that allows the creditor to take a certain portion of your wages directly from your employer and apply it towards the judgment.

4. Exemptions: In Washington state, there are certain exemptions that may protect your wages from garnishment. These exemptions include:

* 75% of your disposable earnings if you are the head of a household or single and without dependents

* 50% of your disposable earnings if you are married but your spouse is not also subject to garnishment

* 25% of your disposable earnings if you are not the head of a household and do not have dependents

5. Restrictions on Garnishment: Additionally, there are restrictions on the amount that can be garnished from your wages. The maximum amount that can be garnished is 25% of your disposable earnings.

6. Due Process: Before your wages can be garnished, you are entitled to due process, which includes the right to notice and an opportunity to challenge the garnishment. You should receive a notice of garnishment from your employer and have the chance to file an objection with the court.

It's important to note that the specific laws regarding garnishment for unpaid medical bills may change, and there may be exceptions or additional considerations. If you have unpaid medical bills and are concerned about potential garnishment, it's advisable to seek legal advice from an attorney who can provide you with personalized guidance based on your situation and the laws in Washington state.