This is my next post in a series of articles which will address dealing with medical bills after a car accident in Peoria, Illinois. My last article discussed the medical lien process and how medical providers and insurers often assert liens in car accident cases. Providers’ and insurance liens can give victims the ability to get the care they need immediately rather than waiting for financial reasons. In this article, I will detail how an attorney can reduce medical liens by negotiating with medical providers and insurers. A reduction to a lien can allow an individual to settle. If you or someone you love is in need of assistance following a car accident then contact my office to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can negotiate with medical providers and insurers to reduce their lien so that a case may settle
A person who suffers an injury in a car accident may not have the money to pay for medical care right away. Many medical providers understand this and agree to treat injury victims with the expectation that they will be paid later from the settlement. This is called a medical lien. A lien gives a provider or insurer the right to be paid out of the final settlement in a personal injury case. The process begins when the provider files notice of the lien. It continues while the case is active and ends when the lien is paid from the settlement. This helps car accident victims get the medical care they need without having to pay up front.
Medical providers and insurers may be willing to reduce the amount they are owed. This often happens when the settlement may not be large enough to cover all the medical expenses. An attorney can speak with the lienholders and ask for a reduction. Lawyers know how to explain the value of the case, the limits of the insurance policy, and any challenges with establishing fault. Lienholders may accept less than what is owed if it means the case will settle and they will be paid something.
Consider the following example. An injured person may have to settle their case for $100,000 due a dispute over liability but may have $130,000 in medical bills. The full settlement would go to the providers and the victim would get nothing without negotiation. An attorney may be able to reduce the liens – say to $20,000 in our example. This allows the victim to keep part of the settlement as well after all fees and liens are paid. Providers often prefer this over getting nothing if the case cannot settle or if trial risks are too high. It can also help move the case forward and ensure that the victim receives fair compensation.
It is important to retain a Peoria personal injury lawyer with experience in negotiating medical liens
Negotiating medical liens is often a key factor in settling a personal injury case. Successful negotiations and reductions could mean the victim gets to keep more of their settlement. This process is not automatic and not all lawyers know how to do this well, which is why it is important to hire an attorney who has experience in medical lien resolution. A skilled lawyer can handle all communication with billing departments and insurance companies. I am an experienced attorney who is able to assist with these legal matters. I understand that a client may walk away with less than they deserve or may not be able to settle without the proper advocacy and negotiation.
If you have been injured in a wreck and are worried about medical bills or liens then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria car accident lawyer. I believe that every individual deserves respect and quality service. Contact us online or by phone today to schedule an initial consultation. My firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
