How Are Medical Expenses Covered During a Personal Injury Case?
Medical bills can be covered through your health insurance, liens from medical providers, or through compensation you receive in a settlement or verdict. We’ll explore every option to ease the financial burden while your case is ongoing.
After you sustain a personal injury, medical expenses can pile up quickly. Doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments can be costly, but who pays for them? Health insurance providers may cover some of the initial costs, though there are other ways to minimize or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Were you injured in a car accident? Pennsylvania drivers may carry auto insurance polices with other Personal Injury Protection or MedPay coverage. If you have this type of coverage, your insurance provider could step in and relieve some of your personal injury medical expenses.
Coverage is available regardless of fault. In other words, you could rely on your insurer whether you rear-end someone or vice versa.
Third-Party Liability
If your injuries stem from someone else’s negligence, you could take legal action and file a claim against their insurance company. Insurers often provide coverage in the event that their policyholders are held liable for someone’s injuries. This can apply to a wide range of policies, including auto, homeowners’, and commercial insurance.
A personal injury lawyer can review your case and help you gather evidence supporting your claim. Potential pieces of evidence include:
- Photos or video from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Testimony from industry professionals
- Police reports
- Medical records
Bills and receipts related to your injury play a big role in navigating claims. Evaluating your losses, from medical expenses to lost wages, helps determine how much the at-fault party may owe in economic damages. Both sides can participate in settlement negotiations before the case is resolved.
If you can’t reach a settlement agreement, you may have no other choice but to bring the case to trial.
Pre- and Post-Settlement Options
Expenses don’t stop even if you’re expecting a settlement. To mitigate financial hardship during the process, consider medical liens. These legal contracts state that you’ll pay the full cost of healthcare directly through a settlement or financial award.
Perhaps you use your health insurance to reduce the cost of treatment. If you reach a settlement later on, a health insurance reimbursement may be possible through subrogation.
If your personal injury-related medical expenses are becoming overwhelming, it’s time to explore your legal options. Contact Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers to discuss the details of your case and whether you have a claim. Submit our online request form or call (484) 351-0350 to schedule a free consultation.
