On paper, it seems simple to file a personal injury claim after being injured due to someone else's negligence and getting all the medical bills paid. However, the reality is that a personal injury case is not always that simple.
While hiring an experienced Cincinnati personal injury attorney will improve a victim's chances of being compensated for their medical costs, there is no telling just how long you will have to wait before the personal injury settlement is finalized and you receive damages.
Many victims of a car accident or other type of personal injury, especially those without health insurance, end up struggling with medical bills while waiting on the outcome of their lawsuit.
If the insurance company decides to put up a fight, it may be long until the personal injury claim is resolved. A good lawyer can help victims complete the process faster and receive their damages for medical expenses. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is ready to assist and can also advise on the personal injury statute of limitations Ohio.
Luckily, as a fault state, Ohio personal injury law entitles the victim to seek compensation for medical bills from the at-fault party or their insurance company. This means victims only need to find a way to cover their medical costs for the time being until they receive their settlement.
However, one thing to keep in mind is the issue of comparative negligence. If the victim is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident and resulting injuries, they will not receive any compensation from the other responsible party.
Steps to Prove the Value of Medical Bills
The amount of compensation that a victim who has suffered severe injuries is awarded in a personal injury case depends on what they can prove in court.
Hard evidence, such as receipts of all medical bills paid and a doctor's report, is vital to determining how much the court will grant the victim.
The steps the victims take soon after suffering their injuries are important to the outcome of the settlement. As such, they need to do the following:
Seek medical treatment from a qualified doctor as soon as possible
Save all receipts of medical bills and any other medical expenses
Ask the doctor about future treatments that may incur further medical bills
Keep a pain journal throughout the recovery process to be used when seeking compensation for pain and suffering
How To Pay Your Medical Bills Until the Personal Injury Settlement
Even after taking all the right steps when filing a personal injury claim, victims still have to deal with the problem of covering their medical bills until their settlement comes through.
Here are eight feasible solutions to help victims cover their medical costs:
Private Health Insurance Company
A private health insurer is likely to agree to provide medical payments coverage for victims awaiting a settlement offer as long as they will pay back the costs of medical care once the personal injury lawsuit is finalized.
Since this will involve negotiating with the health insurance provider, victims should have a lawyer by their side.
Medicare/Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid provide other ways of covering medical bills until the claim is approved. Typically, victims who receive such aid will be issued a demand letter to reimburse the money once their settlement is paid out.
Paying Medical Bills Out of Pocket
Although this is not ideal and can be very costly when dealing with severe injuries, victims can always choose to pay their medical bills out of pocket. This is only a feasible option for victims who already have the source of money, or can access an emergency fund.
The advantage of paying out of pocket is that there is no need to worry about paying back the money, which will likely be charged an extra amount for interest.
Negotiate With the Hospital
Some hospitals are willing to negotiate with their patients regarding a payment plan for medical treatment. If victims can approach them with an offer, the hospitals may be willing to postpone the payment of all or part of the medical costs until after the settlement.
Medical Lien
In a medical lien, the medical treatment provider will undertake to carry on taking care of the victim on the agreement that the payment will be made as soon as the personal injury claim is finalized.
Liens can be initiated by victims when they sign an agreement with the hospital or the medical treatment provider can file a claim against the victim with the county recorder’s office to seek payment.
Lawsuit Settlement Loans
Another convenient way to raise the funds needed for treatment is to take out a loan on the agreement that the money will be paid back upon completion of the lawsuit. The lender will have to review the lawsuit and provide cash to the victim based on how much they think the settlement will be.
Victims who decide on taking out a lawsuit settlement loan have to be careful because such loans can come with a lot of fees and high-interest rates.
Workers Compensation
Victims who get injured at work have the advantage of relying on their workers' compensation benefits for medical payments coverage if they do not have health insurance.
However, there is the possibility that the worker will have to pay back the benefits when the settlement is approved, and this can become a complicated process.
Auto Insurance Company
If the injuries were a result of a car accident, receiving a settlement from the car insurance company is another option that victims can explore. Victims who obtain compensation in this way will likely be required to pay back the funds once their personal injury lawsuit is finalized.
Worried About Paying Medical Bills After Your Personal Injury in Ohio? Call Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Mounting medical bills can be very stressful for victims who are still recovering from their injuries. Having a backup plan to pay for medical care is always a great idea in such situations. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also assist with how to calculate personal injury damages in Ohio.
However, whether victims choose to go for medical liens or take out a loan, it is always good to have an experienced lawyer by their side. Victims should call Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today and request a free consultation.