If my medical bills are low, do I still have a personal injury claim?
Yes. There is no minimum level for filing a personal injury claim. It’s important to consult an attorney to determine the best course of action in your case before deciding if your claim needs legal action.
Should I pay my medical bills now, or wait until the settlement is finalized?
No. The purpose of a legal settlement is payment of your medical bills. The payment comes from the settlement. You may have some out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by your insurance, such as co-pays. In that case, you should keep all receipts and invoices and give them to your attorney to include in your settlement.
What is a medical lien and how does it affect my personal injury case?
A “medical lien” is filed by the doctor or hospital against your claim. In general, the provider bills your insurance, and then if the insurer does not pay in full, the provider files a lien so that when you file a lawsuit against your insurance company, the provider receives payment from the settlement.
Medical liens are not filed against the patient, but against the cause of action (the lawsuit). Providers cannot file medical liens until after they’ve received a rejection from the insurance company.
Am I required to notify my insurance company about my personal injury case?
Yes. You should tell them as soon as there is an accident in which you’ll be filing an insurance claim. In cases of car accidents, your policy may require you to notify them. Once you do so, be careful what you tell them. It is in your best interest to tell your insurer as little as possible until you talk to an attorney.
