Most of our blogs have explained or alluded to how victims can seek compensation after being injured due to someone’s negligence. One of the reasons people can pursue it is that they may have spent a significant amount of money on medical bills. On average, a single ambulance ride can cost about $1800. In additional costs, the other issue is the length of a typical personal injury case.
The timelines associated with them largely depend on the case’s complexity, the injuries’ severity, and how willing the other party is to settle. Because of these variables, a personal injury case could last several months to several years. During this time, the victims have likely received medical treatment and may even have regularly-timed follow-up appointments. Who pays for the medical bills while the case is ongoing?
Paying Your Medical Bills
After you have been injured, your first step is to ensure your safety. The second is to contact a personal injury lawyer and explain that you have the money to pay your medical bills. They will walk you through several remedies, some of which we will highlight now. Your attorney will likely file a personal injury claim to recover money for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Sometimes, the attorney will negotiate with the at-fault person’s insurance company to obtain an appropriate settlement. (You should always contact an attorney before accepting a settlement.)
The following section will discuss this in more detail, but you can use your own health insurance. Remember that when your insurance company pays for your bills, they may be entitled to a portion of the money you receive from the settlement or verdict. Other options are available for people with health insurance or whose policy won’t cover the total amount. You can negotiate with your medical providers to work out a payment plan in the interim, or you may be able to utilize a medical lien. This is when you are unable to pay your medical bills upfront. Some hospitals and medical providers may treat you in exchange for a medical lien. In short, it is a legal way for them to ensure they are compensated after you receive a settlement.
Do I Have to Reimburse My Insurance Company?
Your health insurance provider may have the right to recover the money they spent on your injuries, but this will be taken out of the settlement amount. In the legal realm, this is referred to as subrogation. There is no universal way to explain what this term means because it will vary depending on the state and the type of insurance you have. In New York, for instance, health insurance companies can place a lien on the settlement you receive. If the jury awards you $150,000 after the insurance company paid $15,000 for your injuries, they are entitled to the $15,000.
This is another conversation you should have with your personal injury attorney. They will elaborate on how subrogation does or does not apply in your case. There may be ways to reduce the amount the insurance company receives, and laws limit how much it can recover.
Ask For SAM
In addition to getting the compensation you need, our attorneys are here to help and support you during a difficult time in your life. When you run into challenges, such as being able to pay your medical bills, turn to our compassionate and experienced attorneys. If you have been a personal injury victim, contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos for your free consultation.
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