Woman at center of lawsuit slams debt collection company for ‘misrepresenting facts’ as hearing is postponed

medical debt in eastern idaho

IDAHO FALLS — A woman being sued by Medical Recovery Services is slamming the debt collection company for attempting to “mischaracterize the facts” when it comes to her name and background.

A court hearing concerning the matter was postponed Monday afternoon as the woman, being sued for $5,500 by MRS, continues to fight the legal battle over a $294 bill.

The woman, whom we’re calling Mary Johnson, shared her story on EastIdahoNews.com last week. She agreed to speak publicly if her real name was not used because she is worried about the legal repercussions she may face for speaking out about MRS.

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The issue revolves around a now-paid $294 medical bill from years ago. MRS is asking that Johnson be required to pay as much as $5,583.25 to cover attorney and legal fees largely beyond her control. A judge will determine the ultimate amount Johnson must pay.

Last year, MRS attorneys Bryan Smith and Bryan Zollinger received a court order to garnish Johnson’s wages from her employer, Melaleuca, but the garnishment did not have her correct name listed. The Social Security number on the garnishment was Johnson’s, but the last name didn’t match hers.

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