It is one thing to put yourself in a dangerous situation, and then First Responders assist you, and you may become financially responsible. However, if you are the victim of a collision caused by an at-fault first responder, having to pay a bill to them appears absurd. In Oregon, a cyclist’s unexpected collision with an ambulance leads him to sue the fire department for $1 million. This raises concerns about accountability in emergency services. The hospital has also charged him an additional $47,000 for medical care.
Collision Details and Immediate Aftermath
In October 2022, William Hoesch, a 71-year-old cyclist, collided with a Columbia River Fire & Rescue ambulance in Rainier, Oregon. The ambulance, which was reportedly traveling at 2 to 10 mph, turned right and struck Hoesch, crushing his bicycle. Hoesch sustained numerous injuries as a result of the impact, including a fractured nose and body scrapes.
Following the collision, Hoesch was transported to the hospital by the same ambulance that hit him. In an unexpected twist of events, he later received a bill for $1,862 for ambulance service. This charge has become a major point of contention in the subsequent legal battle.
“An ambulance hit an Oregon cyclist, transported him to the hospital, and then charged him $1,800 for the experience.”
Insult to injury! Ambulance hits Oregon cyclist then charges him $2K for a ride to the hospital: lawsuit https://t.co/Eydkdc34gJ pic.twitter.com/XFZMyoXU5s
— New York Post (@nypost) November 6, 2024
Legal Action and Financial Impact
Hoesch sued Columbia River Fire & Rescue on October 24, 2024, seeking damages of $997,000. The lawsuit seeks to cover his substantial medical expenses, which have already totaled nearly $47,000, with an additional $50,000 anticipated for future treatment. Hoesch is seeking compensation for pain, suffering, and the long-term effects of the accident, in addition to immediate medical costs.
“As a result of the collision, Hoesch has been charged another $47,000 in medical bills and is expected to rack up a further $50,000 worth of medical costs, reported the Oregonian.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Hoesch’s uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance should cover any damages not covered by the ambulance provider. This aspect of the case emphasizes the complexities of insurance coverage under such unusual circumstances.
A man in Oregon filed a lawsuit after getting hit by an ambulance that billed him for the ensuing ride to the hospital
READ MORE: https://t.co/4O0PEBJea0https://t.co/4O0PEBJea0
— Brotips (@brotips) November 6, 2024
Long-Term Health Consequences
The collision has had a significant long-term health impact on Hoesch. Court documents show that he has a limited range of motion and grip strength, among other symptoms. These ongoing health issues are likely to have an impact on his quality of life and ability to participate in activities he previously enjoyed.
The case has sparked debate about emergency service providers’ responsibilities and the potential need for policy changes to avoid similar incidents in the future. It also raises concerns about the appropriateness of billing practices in cases where the service provider may be at fault for the injuries.
Similar Incidents in Oregon
Unfortunately, Hoesch’s situation is not unique to Oregon. In January 2024, another cyclist was killed by an ambulance, resulting in a $6 million lawsuit.
Additionally, in July 2024, an ambulance struck and killed a woman, though no lawsuit was filed in that case. These incidents collectively point to a troubling trend that may necessitate increased attention and policy review.
As the legal proceedings continue, Columbia River Fire & Rescue has remained silent, offering no comment on the specifics of the case. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences for emergency service protocols and accountability measures in Oregon, and potentially elsewhere.
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