Erasmus's admonition justified?

Questioner

I received an invoice from the Erasmus Hospital stating that I was not at an appointment. I never received a letter or an email from them stating that I had to be there for an appointment. I was also on holiday at the stated time of the appointment and I knew that I would be out of the country since January during the August period. If they had informed me, I would have cancelled. I called and was told that the finance people will speak to the department that made the appointment. They sent another letter stating that they will not accept my appeal, I have to pay. I called a second time, again received a letter stating that they will not accept and that the amount is now more. I called again, the finance people said that I had to speak to the department directly, which I did, and they told me to speak to the finance people and hang up the phone. I went on social media, got someone on a Facebook chat who also said: I have to contact the department directly and they refuse to help me any further. I have now received another letter stating that this is the final reminder and that it is now double the cost. I have sent numerous emails asking for proof that they sent me the letter or emailed me and they are not replying to any of my emails. They want me to prove that I did not receive it. How do I prove something that I do not have? I have sent screenshots of every email they have ever sent me, I have a file in my study with all the letters I have received from all the medical institutions over the last 5 years and I do not have a letter for that appointment. What can I do about this?

Lawyer

Good morning, In principle, the person who claims a sum of money from you must prove why you owe the amount. In this case, in my opinion, the hospital must prove that they informed you (in time) about the appointment. You may be able to file a complaint with the hospital, in which you explicitly state that they must demonstrate that an appointment was made with you. In case you do not pay, the claim will most likely be passed on to a debt collection agency or bailiff. You will then be given the opportunity to further explain your position. If you need legal assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact us without obligation. Kind regards, Silvienne Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526

Questioner

Thank you for your reply. I have already asked them for proof, but they do not respond to my emails. I have also called and they keep transferring me to people who claim they cannot help me. They have now transferred the account to Cannock Incasso BV

Lawyer

Good morning, Thank you for your response. Is it a large amount? If you maintain your position, it is important to respond to the reminder in time. Then the collection agency will know what your position is. If the hospital continues to believe that you should pay, the case will probably be brought before the court. If you have no or insufficient knowledge of legal proceedings in court, it is wise to seek legal assistance. Kind regards, Silvienne Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526

Questioner

It started out as €50. I called as soon as I opened the letter to see what it was about. They then forwarded my request to the department that had filed the claim. I received another letter in the mail saying they rejected my protest of the invoice. I called again straight away. They then said I had to send them proof that I had not received the appointment letter. Which I did the same day. I then received another letter saying they did not accept my proof and then the payment went up. I have called them 3 times since that letter and sent numerous emails with no luck. I received a final reminder of now €100 in the mail which I had to pay within 3 days of the date stamp on the letters. I still have not received any proof from them that they sent me the appointment confirmation!