Medical Lien: What Is It And How Does It Help You During Your Auto Accident?
If you're in an auto accident and do not have health insurance, one of the concerns you may have is how you will pay for your medical bills. Although you have valid concerns, you shouldn't worry about the medical expenses you incur from your accident. Instead, it is a good idea that you hire a personal injury attorney to represent your case. A personal injury attorney can find a way for you to receive the medical care you need without paying for your bills now. In most cases, an attorney can send you to doctors who offer medical lien services. Here is how medical liens work and why it is essential that you seek medical care for your injuries now.
What Is a Medical Lien?
With traditional medical insurance, you must pay some type of co-payment and deductible before your insurance company takes over. If you don't have insurance, you pay out-of-pocket for your treatments, exams and other medical needs. However, a medical lien does not require you to pay upfront or wait for insurance payments. Doctors who accept medical liens provide all the care you need without immediate payment, because they expect to receive payment after your accident case settles.
Because not all doctors offer lien-based services, it is essential that you hire an attorney who has contact with physicians who do offer them. A number of physicians do not offer medical liens in their practices, because they fear losing out on money if their patients lose their cases.
A personal injury lawyer may work closely with doctors who specialize in accident medical liens. In a number of cases, the doctors will receive payment for your medical expenses before you do. Although this may seem unfair or unreasonable, it may be in your best interest to see the doctors provided by an attorney.
What Happens If You Don't See a Lien Basis Physician?
If you choose to skip your medical treatment because you do not want to see lien-based doctors, you risk a number of problems with your accident case. Auto accidents can cause many complications with your health right away, or you can develop issues weeks later. Doctors call symptoms that show up later delayed or late-appearing medical problems. The other driver's insurance company may not pay for your late-appearing medical problems if you don't see a doctor during your case.
The insurance company may say that the problems developed because you refused to seek proper medical care. The insurance provider can also argue that your new health problems are unrelated to your auto accident. If the insurance company says any of these things, a personal injury attorney may have a difficult time proving and winning your case.
How Long Will Your Case Take?
After an attorney investigates your auto accident and receives the medical documentation for your case, they will present it to the other driver's insurance company for review. This step of your case may take a few days or it may take several months or more to complete. An attorney can discuss the specifics of your case with you during a private meeting.
Keep in mind that if a lawyer settles your case without the proper lien-based medical documentation or auto accident evidence, you may end up with a smaller settlement payment. Also, keep in mind that the medical lien doctor you see will receive their payments before you do. You may wish to wait until an attorney secures your case properly to receive the settlement you deserve.
If you need more information about medical liens or your case, contact a personal injury attorney, such as Burke Schultz Harman & Jenkinson Attorneys at Law today.