What can I do if I’m being billed for a bill that I already paid in full?
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What can I do if I’m being billed for a bill that I already paid in full?
I called several veterinarians to have my pet’s teeth cleaned. One of them quoted me in the range of $350 so I made the appointment. They increased the amount to $559 while I was at their office and I agreed to proceed. I picked up my pet, paid the amount ($559) in full and I have the receipt to prove it was paid in full. Three months later I decided to have my pet’s medical records faxed to another vet. A few days later, I received another invoice from the vet that I paid $559. They falsely claim, I prepaid them the check of $559 prior to having the work done and I left without paying the remaining amount. Am I obligated to pay the additional amount they are charging me.
Asked on June 16, 2015 under Business Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
This is fundamentally a factual question: what was the agreed-upon price--$559, or some larger amount, of which you paid $559 in advance or as a deposit? To get the money from you, if you refuse to pay, they'd have to be able to prove in court that they did not quote you a price of $559, but rather some larger amount; they can try to do this by testimony (e.g. by their office manager testifying that the price was $X), but you could interpose your own testimony to the contrary and the court will weigh who is more credible. And if you have any documentary evidence on your side--such as a receipt marked "paid in full" or the like--it would be *very* difficult for them to overcome that. That being the case, if you feel confident of your position, you might refuse to pay; and if you have documentation on your side, send them a copy of it, sent some way you can prove delivery, stating that you have paid in full as proven by the documents and that if they pursue you for the money, you will countersue for abuse of process (improperly using the legal system). Then all you can do is wait to see if they do try to sue; and if they do, defend on the basis of the facts and possibly countersue as well.
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