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Who Pays Medical Bills in a Personal Injury Case?

who pays medical bills in a personal injury case

As anyone injured in an accident knows, medical bills can quickly add up. 

From hospitalizations and surgeries to physical therapy and medications, the cost of healthcare provides a significant obstacle to recovery. And if you’re trying to seek compensation from another party for your injuries, it can be even more challenging to manage the financial burden of your treatment.

So, who’s legally responsible for paying these medical expenses? 

This article will examine how medical bills can be paid in a personal injury case and some strategies for ensuring that these costs are taken care of.

Here’s the 411 on Personal Injury Cases

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be legally entitled to compensation. This type of claim is known as a personal injury case. 

Generally speaking, in a personal injury case, if the other party is determined to be liable for an injury or damages, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. 

In most cases, the at-fault party will be represented by their insurance company, so you won’t be working with or receiving payment directly from the person that injured you.

Ultimately, who pays for the medical bills in a personal injury case depends on the type of accident you were in and who was responsible for your injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Medical Bills?

In most cases, three parties can be responsible for paying medical bills in an injury case: your insurance company or the defendant (the person that injured you), or you. 

First and foremost, it’s important to note that if you’re injured and have health insurance, your health insurance provider should be responsible for covering all medical expenses associated with the injury. 

These expenses may include:

  • Ambulance fees
  • Hospital costs
  • Medication costs
  • Physician visits
  • Tests or scans
  • Physical therapy
  • Acupuncture, 
  • Other rehabilitative care

The second party that could potentially be liable for paying medical bills (or re-paying medical bills to your insurance company) is the defendant. 

For instance, if you file a lawsuit against another individual or entity and win the case, you may receive damages from the defendant, which could cover all or part of your medical expenses. 

In some cases, the at-fault party may also offer to settle out of court before going to trial; this means that they would agree to pay an amount directly to you to avoid having to go through with an actual legal proceeding.

Lastly, if your medical bills aren’t covered by insurance or by the other party, you may have to foot the bill yourself. Let’s consider what to do if your medical bills aren’t covered.

What to Do If Your Medical Bills Are Not Covered

If you’ve been in an accident and your medical bills aren’t covered by health insurance, you can take a few steps to help manage the financial burden.

First, you should contact your health insurance provider to find out why your bills weren’t covered. It could be as simple as filling out the correct form or updating your policy. Once you have determined why your bills were not covered, you can look at other payment options. 

If you have any savings, you can use that to pay for some or all of your medical bills. You may also be able to negotiate a payment plan with your doctor or hospital. Many medical providers will be willing to work with you to establish a payment plan that is affordable for you.

Finally, if you have been in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

No matter what steps you take, it is important to take action as soon as possible to address your medical bills. Taking immediate action can help you manage the financial burden and avoid further damage.

Need Help With Your Medical Bills? Call Pickford Law.

Personal injury cases can be complicated, and determining who is responsible for medical bills can be difficult. 

In most cases, insurance companies will cover the costs of medical bills, but there are situations where this isn’t the case. If you find yourself in a situation where your medical bills aren’t covered, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to ensure they are paid. 

Get help with your case today—call Pickford Law.

Author Bio

Shalondra Grandberry Pickford

Shalondra Grandberry Pickford is a highly skilled attorney and the founder of Pickford Law. Her legal practice is committed to representing clients on various legal matters, including social security disability, veterans’ disability, estate planning, and personal injury. With over ten years of experience in law and a license to practice in Tennessee and Arkansas, Shalondra is committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to each client.

Shalondra received her Juris Doctorate from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and is a member of the Tennessee and Arkansas State Bar Associations. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the exclusive Rising Stars award from Super Lawyers in 2017 and again in 2022.

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