When you suffer an injury that another person caused, it can negatively affect your life since you will have the medical expenses to worry about, plus you won’t be able to go to work to make a living.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news because you will be able to file a personal injury claim against the insurance company of the party that caused the accident. That claim, if successful, will provide compensation for all of the damages you suffered in the accident. Those damages include your medical expenses, lost wages, repair or replacement bills for damaged property, pain and suffering, and more.
While you are waiting for your claim to go through, you still have your medical expenses to worry about. However, according to Wattel & York-personal injury attorney in Phoenix, there are a few ways to handle your medical expenses while you wait to receive your settlement. If you want the best chance of receiving a settlement after an accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Ways To Pay Your Medical Expenses While Waiting For Your Settlement
The following are some of the ways that you can pay your medical bills as you await your settlement.
Your Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, then it can pay for your medical care before you receive your settlement. This can include Medicare or Medicaid insurance. If you choose this method, then you will have to reimburse your doctor once you receive your settlement. This is done via a Letter of Protection, which states that your healthcare provider agrees not to bill you until your claim is settled. They will put a lien on your claim, so they are paid using your settlement before you receive the additional compensation you are due.
Medical Pay or PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
If you were injured in a car accident, then your auto insurance can initially pay for your medical bills. However, you need to have Medical pay or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) because they will pay for any medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, you can only file a claim up to your policy limits.
Authorization and Assignment
If you don’t have any other options, you can sign an authorization and assignment with the medical provider. This is a contract with the provider, your attorney, and you that states you agree to pay the medical expenses out of the settlement award you will receive at the end of your case. This contract means you will need to pay the healthcare provider before you receive your settlement.
Hospital Negotiations
There are some cases where you can negotiate with the hospital or healthcare facility for reduced rates or a payment plan. This allows you to continue receiving healthcare while you wait for your settlement to arrive.
Insurance Subrogation
In this process, your insurer will seek reimbursement from the insurer of the party that caused the accident. This happens when you are not at fault for the accident, but your insurance company paid for your medical expenses anyway.
