A woman has filed suit against her insurance company, alleging it left her with more than $70,000 in medical bills after it wrongfully did not pay for her neck surgery.
Donna Boyher says she had a medical insurance policy with United Healthcare, which was obligated to pay healthcare provider bills without dispute.
On Sept. 1, 2006, Boyher was injured during an automobile accident, according to the complaint filed May 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
After the accident, Boyher's healthcare provider, Dr. Matthew Gormet, recommended she have surgery on her neck, the complaint says.
In August of 2007, Boyher underwent the recommended surgery and sent the medical bills to United, the suit states.
However, United refused to pay the bills, Boyher claims.
Because of the insurance company's refusal to pay her bills, Boyher says she is liable for more than $70,000 worth of medical bills.
In the two-count suit, Boyher is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000 and either 60 percent of the amount the court determines she is entitled to recover under her claim in Count I or $60,000, plus interest, costs, attorney's fees and other relief to which she may be entitled.
She is represented by Thomas C. Rich and Jenniefer L. Barbieri of Fairview Heights.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-256.
United Healthcare sued by insured over unpaid neck surgery claim
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