Personal injury cases can be a strenuous process as there is much to negotiate and pay. Additionally, many legal rules must be followed.
After an accident, victims often need immediate medical attention, upon which healthcare providers issue expensive medical bills. The accident victims are ultimately responsible for these costs, but a personal injury settlement can help pay for these expenses.
To secure a fair settlement amount, accident victims can enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer. They evaluate the unique case and determine how much money the plaintiff should win. A legal professional can also assist in using the settlement compensation to pay the proper insurance company.
Continue reading to learn more about paying medical costs in the aftermath of a personal injury case.
Who Pays for Medical Bills?
Victims of a personal injury case are responsible for paying medical bills. Their insurance coverage can take care of the initial medical expenses, but upon receiving money from a settlement, plaintiffs must use the money for their outstanding medical bills.
Paying for medical bills can be a complex process. Obtaining the fairest compensation can also be difficult, as it involves plenty of negotiating. A personal injury lawyer can significantly benefit plaintiffs as they seek reimbursement for their medical expenses.
Ways to Pay for Medical Bills
Filing a personal injury claim typically follows medical treatment. In most cases, accident victims need immediate medical attention, and therefore, start accruing medical costs before they can reach a settlement amount.
Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for medical bills before reaching a personal injury settlement:
Car Insurance Company
Many personal injury claims are the result of a car accident. If people find themselves filing a car accident settlement, they should rely on their auto insurance company to cover the initial medical expenses.
Victims of car accidents can fall back on their auto insurance through personal injury protection (PIP). This means the insurance carrier pays for a portion of the medical care. If a policyholder opts to have a deductible in their plan, they must pay that amount first.
Policyholders should ensure their coverage option includes paying for medical treatment. They can add to their coverage with Med-Pay, which fills in the gaps that PIP cannot pay.
After receiving compensation from a personal injury settlement, plaintiffs should reimburse the company for their coverage with the accrued value.
Health Insurance Company
A health insurance provider can cover the cost of medical bills. Similar to car insurance, it most likely requires reimbursement after the policyholder obtains an accident settlement amount. One difference is that the health insurance carrier is probably going to negotiate. Having a lawyer can improve the chances of reducing the total cost of paying medical bills.
Health insurance policies vary, so clients should verify their deductibles and what they are responsible for disbursing.
Medicare or Medicaid
Outside of health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid can also pay for the immediate services of a medical provider. They almost always request reimbursement and do this through a demand letter.
The plaintiff can cover these medical costs after receiving their compensation from a personal injury lawsuit or claim.
Workers' Compensation
A personal injury accident could take place on the job. Often, victims can cover the cost of their medical care through workers' compensation. However, if they settle, then they must reimburse the medical bills.
Medical Provider Lien
A medical lien is a request for repayment. Any entity that has paid for medical bills can issue one, including car and health insurance or the government.
Additionally, the office of an individual medical provider can distribute a medical lien.
Medical providers expect to be reimbursed, but the process of fulfilling a medical lien can be tricky, especially as they can be negotiated. Working with a personal injury lawyer can prevent victims from overpaying their bills.
What Is Included in a Personal Injury Settlement
An auto accident, slip-and-fall, or any other personal injury case can lead to a settlement that compensates any incurred expenses. Depending on their case, an accident victim can expect the settlement amount to include:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Emotional distress
Working with a reliable Tennessee lawyer can help determine what other factors can accrue in the final settlement total.
Most importantly, accidents often lead to medical expenses for a healthcare provider. There is not much limitation when it comes to what counts as a part of medical bills. Some possible situations that could add up to the eventual settlement include:
A doctor visit
An emergency room visit
Physical therapy
Testing fees
There are plenty of other medical expenses that can be covered in the settlement proceeds, which would ultimately go to insurance carriers. Working with a lawyer can help ensure the settlement covers these costs so that victims do not have to pay for them out of pocket. They can also answer questions such as, "What are the caps for personal injury damages in Tennessee?"
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
An experienced personal injury attorney can significantly assist in a personal injury or car accident settlement. If the plaintiff is not the at-fault party, then a lawyer can help them collect the best evidence to verify their lack of liability.
Additionally, paying medical liens can be complex and lead to even more negotiating - beyond what is required for reaching an accident settlement. Requesting the services of an experienced lawyer can aid in juggling these tough conversations that lead to fair compensation for everyone.
A lawyer can also carefully review an individual case to determine who should pay for the accrued medical bills and how much the settlement amount could really be. They can also advise on what the personal injury statute of limitations Tennessee is.
Overall, an accident victim with a lawyer on their side can improve their chances of collecting more money to pay for their medical bills.
Contact Us - We Go to War for You
At-fault parties must pay for any personal injuries as a result of negligence. Settling the payment of all these fees can be overwhelming. As such, accident victims can enlist the help of an experienced and reliable lawyer.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today for help with winning the most possible money for a case. We go to war for you!