Ambulance strikes Oregon cyclist, then charges him nearly $2,000 for the hospital ride.
At a Glance
- 71-year-old William Hoesch was hit by an ambulance while cycling in Rainier, Oregon
- The ambulance that struck him charged $1,862 for transporting him to the hospital
- Hoesch filed a $997,000 lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue
- The cyclist suffered long-term injuries and faces substantial medical bills
- This incident highlights concerns about emergency service billing practices
A Shocking Collision and an Even More Shocking Bill
In a case that exemplifies the dysfunction of our healthcare system, a 71-year-old Oregon cyclist finds himself not only the victim of a careless ambulance driver but also the target of outrageous billing practices. William Hoesch, while cycling in Rainier, Oregon, in October 2022, was struck by an ambulance operated by Columbia River Fire & Rescue. The ambulance, reportedly traveling between 2 and 10 mph, turned right into Hoesch, crushing his bicycle and leaving him with multiple injuries, including a fractured nose and body scrapes.
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
Adding Insult to Injury: The $1,862 Bill
As if the physical trauma wasn’t enough, Hoesch was then transported to the hospital by the very same ambulance that had just hit him. The real kicker? He later received a bill for $1,862 for this “service.” This outrageous charge highlights the predatory nature of our current healthcare system, where even those responsible for causing injuries can profit from their mistakes.
The audacity of charging a victim for a service that was necessitated by the service provider’s own negligence is mind-boggling. It’s a perfect example of how our healthcare system often prioritizes profit over patient care and basic human decency.
The Hefty Price of Recovery
The financial burden on Hoesch extends far beyond the ambulance bill. He has already incurred nearly $47,000 in medical bills and expects an additional $50,000 for future treatment. These staggering amounts underscore the long-term consequences of such accidents and the crushing weight of medical expenses in our country.
The physical toll on Hoesch is equally severe. He suffers from decreased range of motion and reduced grip strength, issues that could affect his quality of life for years to come. It’s a stark reminder of how a single moment of negligence can have far-reaching consequences.
Seeking Justice: The $997,000 Lawsuit
In response to this egregious situation, Hoesch has filed a $997,000 lawsuit against Columbia River Fire & Rescue. The lawsuit, filed on October 24, 2024, seeks compensation for pain, suffering, and the long-term impacts of the accident. It’s a necessary step to hold accountable those responsible for this gross negligence and to secure the funds needed for Hoesch’s ongoing care.
A Pattern of Negligence?
Alarmingly, this is not an isolated incident in Oregon. In January 2024, another cyclist was killed by an ambulance, leading to a $6 million lawsuit. In July of the same year, an ambulance struck and killed a woman, though no lawsuit was filed in that case. These incidents raise serious questions about the training and accountability of emergency service providers.
Columbia River Fire & Rescue has declined to comment on the lawsuit, a silence that speaks volumes. Their refusal to address this issue publicly only adds to the perception of a system that prioritizes self-protection over accountability and patient care.
