By John Q. Hosedrinker 
William Hoesch, a 71-year-old cyclist, is suing Columbia River Fire & Rescue after an ambulance they operated struck him, resulting in injuries including a fractured nose. Despite being transported to the hospital by the ambulance, Hoesch was subsequently billed $1,862 for the ride. This incident, which occurred in October 2022, has led to a $997,000 lawsuit alleging negligence and seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and damage to his bicycle. The lawsuit contends that Hoesch’s uninsured motorist coverage should cover any damages not covered by Columbia River Fire & Rescue.
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Imagine this: you’re riding your bike, minding your own business, and suddenly, an ambulance hits you. You’re injured, rushed to the hospital, and then, the ambulance company sends you a bill for $1,800. This is the bizarre situation a cyclist named Hoesch found himself in, leading him to file a lawsuit against the ambulance company.
It’s a story that has people scratching their heads and asking how such a thing could happen. After all, it’s not as if the ambulance deliberately hit him. But the ambulance company, apparently operating under the logic that “business is business,” sent him the bill regardless.
The outrage is understandable. People are shocked that an ambulance company would bill a patient for the service they needed after they were injured in an accident caused by the ambulance. The company’s actions seem particularly callous, especially since the ambulance was the one at fault.
Some people see this as a case of blatant greed, a company looking for any opportunity to make money. They argue that the ambulance company should have covered Hoesch’s medical expenses, considering their driver was responsible for the accident. A few even go as far as suggesting the driver should face legal consequences for hitting someone with their vehicle.
Others point out that the company likely has strict rules and regulations regarding billing, and failing to send a bill could be seen as an admission of liability. The scenario highlights the complex and often unfair nature of the American healthcare system, where profits seem to be prioritized over compassion and fairness.
This incident brings to light the reality of the American healthcare system, where bills are often sent regardless of the circumstances. Many people express concern about the potential for ambulance companies to exploit situations like this, billing patients even when they are injured in accidents caused by the ambulance itself. This practice feels particularly predatory given that the victims often have no choice but to accept the services provided in an emergency.
The lawsuit highlights the inherent tension between the need for healthcare services and the profit-driven nature of the American healthcare system. It underscores the importance of reforming the system to ensure that patients are not burdened with exorbitant bills in situations where they are already vulnerable.
The case of the ambulance hitting the cyclist and then billing him for the service has become a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the challenges of navigating the American healthcare system. It serves as a symbol of the complexities of healthcare, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and a system that prioritizes the well-being of patients.