How Are Medical Bills Handled in a Personal Injury Claim?

If you suffered a personal injury caused by someone else, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party. If your case is successful, the liable party’s insurer will pay you a settlement, which usually includes the cost of medical treatment. However, you may have questions about how medical bills are handled in a personal injury claim until you receive financial awards.

Insurance May Pay Your Medical Bills and Seek Reimbursement

• Car insurance – Illinois is an at-fault insurance state, which means that liable drivers must pay for the damage and losses they cause in a car accident. If your injury arose from a collision, you can file a claim with the negligent driver’s auto insurance provider for medical expenses. If your car insurance company pays any bills upfront, it can seek reimbursement from your personal injury settlement or verdict.
• Health insurance – For most personal injuries, your private health insurer will cover your medical bills upfront. Once you receive a settlement from the at-fault party, your insurance company will collect its costs from your compensation.
• Workers’ compensation insurance – If your injury resulted from a workplace accident, workers’ compensation should provide medical coverage. If you have a personal injury claim against a liable third party and receive a settlement, you may have to pay back workers’ comp.
• Medicaid and Medicare – If Medicaid or Medicare pays your medical bills, the programs will seek reimbursement if you receive a personal injury settlement.

Healthcare Providers May Place a Medical Lien on Your Personal Injury Compensation

If no insurance is available to cover your medical expenses, healthcare providers can issue a medical lien on your compensation for services provided. According to Illinois law, providers can seek reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary medical costs, not to exceed more than 40 percent of your total settlement, verdict, or judgment. Providers must serve the lien to both you and the party your claim is against.

An Attorney Can Help Manage Your Medical Bills and Additional Losses

If someone else’s negligence harmed you or your loved one, a personal injury attorney can help you get your medical bills covered and pursue compensation for additional losses. A lawyer can file liability insurance claims with at-fault parties, negotiate medical bills with healthcare providers, and arrange to have healthcare expenses covered until you obtain a settlement.

A lawyer can also seek personal injury compensation for other accident-related losses, including lost income and employment benefits, lost earning capacity, household services, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Contact Goldfine & Bowles to Connect with a Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Illinois

Goldfine & Bowles can handle your personal injury claim. While you focus on your health, we can work to get full and fair compensation and ensure your medical bills and other expenses are covered.

Since 1962, our law firm has provided exceptional legal representation to clients across Illinois. Our managing partner, LeRoy A. Compton, has over 36 years of legal experience. We serve Peoria, Peoria County, Bloomington, McClain County, Galesburg, Knox County, Woodford, Tazewell, Fulton, and surrounding Stark and Logan counties. Contact us online or call us today at 309-673-5144 for a free initial consultation.