Not everyone involved in an accident may have health insurance. Or, there may be times when a covered person’s insurance denies injury claims arising from an accident.  That means that getting medical attention can be complicated. The injured person may be left with paying medical expenses out-of-pocket. As costs escalate, it increases the chances that a person will be unable to pay. So, what options does a person who was injured by another have for paying medical expenses?

Simply put, a Letter of Protection is a document that helps someone get medical care when they have been injured due to another person’s negligence. A Letter of Protection alleviates the burden that the injured party might otherwise have in paying for medical expenses themselves. Below, we discuss what a letter of protection is and the benefits of using one.

Letter of Protection

A Letter of Protection is a medical lien. When a person is injured, their lawyer will send a Letter of Protection to a doctor or medical provider, which promises to pay for medical bills once a settlement is received. The injured person will get medical treatment without health insurance or cash, asking the doctor to hold their account for collection. Once payment is obtained from the settlement, the lawyer will use it to pay back the doctor.

There many benefits to using a Letter of Protection, but there are also some drawbacks.

Drawbacks

If you are not successful in your case against the at-fault party, you are still responsible for paying your medical bills.

Benefits

One of the benefits of having a Letter of Protection is that the attorney handling the claim can arrange medical appointments. Having such a liaison will ensure that you get immediate attention for your injury. Also, in a personal injury suit, it’s necessary to document the extent of injuries by gathering medical records. It is a tedious process that may take several weeks to obtain all the relevant documentation. However, with a Letter of Protection, it is easier for the attorney to get medical records from one doctor.  Also, fewer medical bills make it easier to pay for medical costs at once.

A Letter of Protection can also protect your credit. Since a Letter of Protection is a contract, our experienced attorneys can input specific language that prevents unpaid bills from being sent to a collection agency for a while. However, a Letter of Protection doesn’t absolve the injured party from paying their medical bills. Even if the case is ultimately lost, the injured party must still pay their medical bills.

Another benefit is that when a doctor provides medical care with a Letter of Protection, they are more willing to give testimony regarding the injured person’s medical injuries. In a personal injury case, the injured party is responsible for proving the extent of their injuries because that’s how the monetary amount is determined. Having a medical expert describe the harm will allow a deeper understanding of the extent of the injury.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If your medical insurance has denied paying for medical expenses because they believe the other party should pay, or if you don’t have insurance, a Letter of Protection can be a good option. Contact our knowledgeable car accident attorneys at 415-946-8900 or at Dan Rose Law to schedule a free consultation.