If you are seeking compensation after an accident, you may be wondering, “How are medical bills paid while my case is pending?” It’s understandable to be concerned about finances when your personal injury claim or your lawsuit is in progress. You may have a few options for covering your medical bills while you wait for a settlement or a verdict.
You may be able to use MedPay or personal injury protection (PIP) if you carry this type of coverage on your own insurance policy. You may also access coverage through your own health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. Otherwise, you may also be able to negotiate a payment plan with your health provider or agree to a medical lien.
A Charlotte personal injury lawyer from DeMayo Law Offices can explore your options for paying your medical bills while your case is pending. We can work to streamline the legal process as much as possible to help secure a settlement or court-awarded offer efficiently. At the same time, we can protect you from accepting a settlement offer that would not fairly cover your accident-related expenses.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Explore Your Options for Paying Medical Bills While Your Case Is Pending
After an accident, medical bills may start piling up, causing financial strain. On top of that, you may also be facing lost income if you had to take time off work to heal from your injuries. When you consult a personal injury attorney, you can explore your options for paying medical bills while your claim or lawsuit is pending. Take a look at some of the solutions a lawyer may suggest.
MedPay Coverage and PIP Coverage from Your Own Auto Insurance Policy
Since North Carolina is a fault state, you can file an insurance claim against the at-fault party. As of now, the North Carolina Department of Insurance requires a minimum bodily injury coverage of $30,000 per person; however, it does not require anyone to carry MedPay (Medical Payments) or PIP (Personal Injury Protection). You would have to access these optional benefits through your own insurance policy if you purchased them.
MedPay and PIP act as supplemental insurance that kicks in regardless of who was at fault for the incident. It provides a set amount of coverage to be used toward medical bills, deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket costs related to treating your injuries.
A Charlotte car accident attorney can make a MedPay or PIP claim with your own insurance carrier, allowing funds from this coverage to go directly toward paying down outstanding medical debt while your personal injury case gets resolved.
Using Your Own Health Insurance Coverage
If you have active health insurance through a private provider or government program like Medicare/Medicaid, you can rely on these policies to cover medical costs while awaiting settlement.
By ensuring all accident-related treatment gets properly billed through your standard health plan, your out-of-pocket exposure gets minimized. Your health insurance takes on the costs initially, though reimbursement may ultimately be required once your case settles.
Negotiating Payment Plans With Medical Providers
In the absence of MedPay, PIP, or private health insurance, you can request medical providers agree to a payment plan or make other financial arrangements until your case is resolved.
Many hospitals and doctors will work with personal injury clients by deferring bills, setting up low monthly payment schedules, or agreeing only to collect a discounted “lien” amount once the anticipated settlement funds become available.
Establishing Medical Liens on Settlement Proceeds
A medical lien is essentially an agreement authorizing doctors, clinics, and hospitals to seek payment directly out of your eventual settlement once funds are disbursed. With a lien in place, your providers can seek repayment out of your settlement award. In return, you avoid going into debt or missing payments during your case.
Throughout your personal injury case, open communication with both your legal team and medical providers is essential regarding payment options and expectations. Multiple potential solutions exist to avoid burdensome costs while properly treating your injuries and maximizing your net settlement.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Working With a Lawyer on Contingency Can Help You Pay Medical Bills While Your Case Is Pending
Another way our personal injury lawyers at Demayo Law Offices help accident victims pay their medical bills as they wait for their cases to resolve is by representing them on contingency. Under a contingency agreement, our personal injury team can begin working on your case immediately without charging upfront fees.
This fee arrangement has other benefits, as well. For example, it helps you meet your legal deadline if you have to file a personal injury lawsuit since a lawyer can start building your case right away. This may lead to receiving a settlement or verdict sooner rather than later.
It also gives you reassurance that a legal team is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for your accident. We only win if you do, and then we simply take a percentage of your financial recovery at the end of your case.
Reach Out to DeMayo Law Offices to Learn More About How Medical Bills Are Paid While a Case Is Pending
Do not forgo or delay medical treatment because you fear financial strain. This can actually hurt your claim or lawsuit and cause your injuries to worsen. You do not want to give an insurer any reason to undervalue or deny your claim.
Instead, you can reach out to our personal injury lawyers who can explore your options for covering medical bills while your case is pending. DeMayo Law Offices is here to help accident victims and their families. Contact us now to learn about us and request your free consultation.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
