[Transcript]
Hi, my name is Kenneth Berger. If you have questions about how your medical bills get paid after an accident, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions clients ask me. Some people think that the at-fault party's insurance company will pay for doctor's visits while the case remains open. Others expect me to fund their medical care. These are misconceptions that I want to correct. The unfortunate truth is you are responsible for your medical treatment until a settlement or verdict is reached. Therefore, if you have health insurance, please use it. Hospitals and doctors' offices cannot refuse to accept your health insurance simply because your injuries were caused by an accident. Even though you may have to reimburse your health insurer with a portion of your proceeds at the end of the case, you come out far better this way than if you allow doctors to charge you the same fees as uninsured people. In addition, my firm will work with your health insurance company to reduce any lien so that you can keep as much money as possible when your case ends. If you don't have health insurance, I can't pay for you to go to the doctor, but some medical providers will allow clients to be treated on what's known as a letter of protection. The letter says that in return for providing medical care, you agree to repay them at the end of the case out of your settlement. There are also a number of great companies that will fund your accident-related treatment in return for future repayment. These companies are not those that you see on television under the title of litigation loan companies; rather, they, in many ways, operate like a health insurance company for the duration of your case. Should you have any other questions about how medical bills get paid or to find out how I can help, pick up the phone and give us a call today. I'd be honored to speak with you and look forward to being of service.
How to Pay Medical Bills After an Injury If You Have Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, you should use it for all treatment related to your accident. In other words, present your insurance card and request that all medical providers submit their bills to your health insurance company. Whether you pay the co-pay is up to you, but I certainly suggest doing so to avoid any portion of your bill being sent to collections.
In South Carolina, the at-fault party’s insurance carrier generally will not make an offer on your case until medical bills and records have been submitted. In practical terms, that means time will pass between the date of your car accident and the date you may receive a settlement or jury award.
When money is recovered by way of settlement or trial, those proceeds will first be used to pay back your health insurance company’s lien. South Carolina law leaves us no choice, though we will work very hard to reduce the lien to ensure you recover the greatest possible sum. We will also use the settlement funds/jury award to zero out all medical provider balances (i.e. satisfy the remaining co-pays).
Therefore, at the end of your case, our goal is to provide you with the greatest possible financial recovery while also leaving you with $0.00 in outstanding medical bills.
How to Pay Medical Bills After a Car Accident If You Don't Have Health Insurance
If you do not have health insurance, your attorney cannot pay for medical treatment related to the wreck from the firm's operating account without violating his/her ethical obligations. Rather than engaging in unethical practices, I seek qualified doctors willing to treat uninsured patients based on “letters of protection.” These letters are sent by me to your treating physician or therapist and serve to protect the doctor’s fee with a legal promise that the medical professional will be paid out of your auto accident proceeds.
If money is recovered by way of settlement or trial, those proceeds will first be used to pay back your medical bills. In some instances, hospitals and other care providers will reduce your bill to assist us in reaching a fair settlement. If there are any outstanding medical bills at the time your case concludes, we will use the settlement funds/jury award to zero out all balances. Clients are, therefore, left with no outstanding medical expenses at the conclusion of most cases. We work hard to reduce your bills not only so we may receive a fee but to maximize the amount of money you walk away with in the end.
Get Legal Help After You're Injured in South Carolina
Have you been wondering how your medical bills get paid after an accident? As South Carolina personal injury attorney Kenneth Berger explains in this video, you are not alone.
He goes on to answer this question. In fact, it is one of the most common questions that Mr. Berger receives. This video should correct the common misconceptions of who will pay your medical bills.
Some people think that, while the case is open, the at-fault driver's insurance or the lawyer representing them will pay the insurance. However, this is not the case. Instead, you are responsible for the medical costs until a verdict or settlement is reached.
So, how do you pay for your medical care? If you have health insurance, use it. If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to receive treatment through a "letter of protection." The letter says that you agree to pay for the healthcare providers at the end of the case. A final option is to go with a company like Key Health that may cover your accident-related healthcare costs in exchange for future payment.
Call Mr. Berger today at 803-790-2800 with any other questions about how medical bills get paid or to discuss your case.