If you were involved in an accident and sustained an injury you may be entitled to compensation. Medical expenses, property damage, and time taken off of work can all add up so you deserve compensation to be able to cover those expenses. Contact a Middlesex County personal injury attorney to discuss how your medical bills can be paid by using your personal injury settlement.
What is a Personal Injury Settlement?
When someone is injured due to another party’s reckless behavior or negligence, the victim may be within their rights to pursue legal action. They can file either a lawsuit or an insurance claim. The negligent party and/or their insurance provider will review the details of the situation and any compensation demands the victim and their attorney have requested. The settlement offer will come in the form of a suggested monetary value. Some negotiations will likely take place but when an amount is agreed upon it can be accepted and the injured party will receive their compensation.
How Can I Pay for My Medical Bills Before Receiving My Settlement?
If you start receiving bills in the mail from hospitals or doctors before your personal injury claim is settled it can be frightening and overwhelming. Depending on how severe your injury was you may have racked up tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical bills with no way to pay them. Reference the following paths you can take to resolve the situation.
- Submit your bills to your health insurance company, if you have one. Your insurance company will typically cover at least a portion of your medical expenses which can make a significant difference in what you owe.
- If you have the financial means to do so, pay out of pocket. Depending on your financial situation and the extent of your injuries you may be able to cover the costs of your medical bills on your own. You will still be compensated and reimbursed through the settlement but you can pay off the money beforehand.
- Reach out to your healthcare providers to negotiate payment plans. Most medical providers want to help you and could be willing to work with your situation. You may agree to pay your bills in installments or postpone payments until your settlement is finalized.
- You can also potentially delay your payments through the use of a medical lien. Picture a lien on your house, only in this instance, it is on your settlement offer. When you agree to a lien you are not obligated to pay the healthcare providers right away. Instead, when your settlement is finalized the lien ensures that the money you owe is taken from the total before you receive the money.
The legal process of filing a claim and receiving a settlement offer can take an extended period of time and you may feel overwhelmed and stressed until your final settlement is approved. Take one or more of the above steps to ensure that your injury does not place an unfair financial burden on you while you wait to receive your compensation.
