Dubai Court Rules Son Must Repay Dh1.17M Hospital bill After Father’s Death

REPHRASED COPY

A Dubai civil court has ordered an Arab man to pay Dh1,171,000 to a hospital after accumulating a Dh1.206 million medical bill for his late father’s treatment and failing to appear in court to dispute the claim, Emarat Al Youm reported.

Court documents show that the 78-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital’s emergency department on December 24, 2024, with severe symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Doctors later diagnosed him with acute pulmonary oedema, respiratory failure, double bacterial pneumonia, and acute kidney failure. Despite receiving full medical care, the patient died on March 4.

The hospital said it repeatedly attempted to collect the outstanding amount before filing a lawsuit seeking Dh1,171,000, 9 per cent annual interest, legal costs, and attorney fees. It presented medical reports, the death certificate, and a signed undertaking by the son agreeing to cover all treatment expenses.

The defendant initially paid Dh35,000 but stopped payments after his father passed away. The court noted that he had been properly notified through public announcement but did not attend hearings or submit a defence.

Citing civil transactions law, the court ruled that contracts must be honoured in good faith and that a signed undertaking serves as binding evidence unless explicitly denied. Based on the documents and the defendant’s absence, the court held him fully responsible for the outstanding medical bill and ordered him to pay Dh1,171,000 along with fees, expenses, and legal costs.

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