Driver fights to get car back after being hit with $700 fee for parking outside hospital during heart attack

A driver who rushed to the hospital while suffering a heart attack is now fighting to get reimbursed after paying more than $700 in towing-related fees.

Despite parking his car as far out of the way as possible, the vehicle was towed while he was receiving emergency medical care.

Perry resident Salvatore Ozzimo has dealt with chest pain and several false alarms over the past three years. In November, however, the pain turned out to be a real heart attack, forcing him to drive himself to the hospital.

Overwhelmed by pain and unable to think clearly, Ozzimo parked near the emergency room roundabout before running inside for help.

“I couldn’t think, I was having just terrible chest pain,” he told local NBC affiliate WHEC. “I wasn’t about to drive around looking for a parking spot.”

After spending several days in the hospital, Ozzimo learned that his car had been towed from hospital property. To retrieve it, he paid more than $550 in towing fees and another $150 for a taxi ride, bringing the total cost to over $700.

Ozzimo contacted Rochester General Hospital multiple times to ask whether the hospital could help cover the expenses. He said he called at least 15 times without receiving a clear response.

“I called in and said, ‘Are you people ever going to get back to me? Let me know one way or the other,’” he said.

When the hospital eventually responded, the answer was not what he hoped for. In a statement, the hospital said that if a vehicle needs to be towed to maintain safe access, the associated fees are handled between the vehicle owner and the towing company.

Ozzimo said he can manage the financial hit but noted it will affect his Christmas shopping for his family. He added that he remains grateful to have his health.

Rochester Regional Health, which operates Rochester General Hospital, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

How to fight a parking ticket

While following posted laws and ordinances can help avoid tickets, mistakes can still happen—especially in unfamiliar areas or emergency situations.

If you receive a parking ticket unexpectedly, these steps may help when filing an appeal:

Read the ticket carefully. Look for errors such as incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle details, or dates and times. Mistakes can invalidate a ticket.
Take photos. Document your vehicle’s position, unclear or missing signage, or similar vehicles that were not cited. Make sure the photos show the time and date.
Check for a listed statute. If the violated statute is missing, the ticket may not be valid.
Follow appeal instructions promptly. Delays can weaken your case and lead to late fees.
Avoid weak arguments in court. Statements like “I didn’t know the law” or “I can’t afford it” can reduce credibility.
Consider legal help. A traffic lawyer may offer guidance, and many provide free consultations.

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