Dubai court orders man to pay Dh1.17 million hospital bill after father’s death

A civil court in Dubai has ordered a man of Arab nationality to pay a hospital Dh1,171,000, the outstanding balance of a Dh1.206 million medical bill accrued during his late father’s treatment, after he failed to attend hearings or contest the case, Emarat Al Youm reported.

According to court documents, the 78-year-old father had been admitted to the hospital’s emergency department on December 24, 2024, suffering from 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.

The hospital said it provided the necessary treatment and care until the patient’s death on 4 march this year. his son, the defendant, initially paid dh35,000 but stopped after his father’s passing, despite signing an undertaking to cover all treatment expenses.

After repeated attempts to collect payment failed, the hospital filed a lawsuit demanding the remaining Dh1,171,000, along with 9 per cent annual interest, legal costs, and attorney fees. it submitted medical reports, a death certificate, and the signed payment undertaking as evidence.

The court noted that the defendant was duly notified through public announcement but did not appear or submit a defence. citing the civil transactions law, the judgment stated that contracts must be executed in good faith and that a signed document constitutes binding proof unless explicitly denied.

Based on the evidence, the court ruled that the son was fully responsible for the medical bill he had undertaken to pay. he was ordered to settle the amount of Dh1,171,000, in addition to fees, expenses, and legal costs.