“She said it was okay for him to dance after I said no,” the dad noted on Reddit, describing why he thinks his son’s mom should take more of the surgery’s expense.
A divorced couple is at odds over who should bear the financial responsibility for their child’s medical expenses after he sustained an injury during a school event.
The Incident
In a Reddit post under the username Rough_Hunter9638, the father recounted how his son, Austin, 16, injured his ankle during a soccer game. Despite seeking medical attention and being advised to rest for six weeks, Austin insisted on participating in a school dance competition.
Father’s Concerns
The father expressed concern about his son’s decision to dance despite the injury. He claimed that Austin further exacerbated his condition by engaging in strenuous activities during the event, such as lifting friends and dancing without proper ankle support.
Dispute Over Medical Bills
Following the incident, the father informed Austin’s mother that she would be responsible for covering any medical expenses incurred, regardless of her insurance deductible status.
This decision sparked disagreement between the parents, with the mother seemingly reluctant to accept financial liability.
Worsening of Injury
Despite the father’s warnings, Austin’s condition deteriorated, leading to a visit to the orthopedist who diagnosed a grade 3 sprain and a torn ligament. The doctor recommended surgery if conservative treatment methods proved ineffective.
Resolution
The dispute underscores the challenges divorced parents face in navigating shared responsibilities, particularly concerning their children’s well-being. As the situation unfolds, a resolution regarding the division of medical expenses remains pending, with both parents potentially bearing financial implications.