Huff

In this interpleader action, Michael Huff appeals the judgment awarding Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District (the District) a portion of the damages he recovered in a personal injury action against third parties arising out of a motor vehicle collision. The District provided collision-related medical services to Huff at one of its hospitals for which he did not pay. When Huff later obtained a judgment for damages against the third parties who caused his injuries, the District asserted a lien on Huff’s damages recovery pursuant to the Hospital Lien Act (Civ. Code, §§ 3045.1-3045.6). Huff contends the District was not entitled to any of the damages because it did not prove the charges for its services were “reasonable and necessary.” (Id, § 3045.1.) We agree and reverse.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Huff sustained serious injuries in a motor vehicle collision involving Steven and Matthew Wilkins. (Huff v. Wilkins (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 732, 736-737 [ 41 Cal.Rptr.3d 754 ] (Huff).) Huff was taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital, a facility operated by the District, where he received treatment for his injuries over the course of seven days. At the time of discharge, Huff…