Medical bills! After a serious accident, medical costs can quickly mount. Mounting medical bills are one of the biggest concerns for people injured in a car crash. Many victims find themselves juggling emergency room visits, physical therapy, possible surgeries, and other medical care. This leads to many questions. One of the biggest – Who pays my medical bills?
I’ll discuss some of your options. Before I do, I need to warn you – Don’t fall for the insurance adjuster’s friendly request that you send your bills. Adjusters often mislead people into thinking the insurance company will pay bills upon receipt. Not true! What the adjuster really wants is to start investigating your injury claim, including your physical condition. So, how do you handle (pay) medical bills following a car crash?
1. Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, and unless you were hurt on the job, this should be your first option. Let me repeat that. If you were not injured while working – We recommend clients use their health insurance to get necessary medical care. If you have health insurance, it can provide you the ability to immediately pay for necessary care.
What are the PROS of using health insurance to pay your medical bills?
- Immediate Access To Needed Medical Care. Health insurance provides immediate access to medical care. Use it.
- Negotiated Rates. Take a look at a medical bill. You will notice a big difference between the “sticker” price and what the insurance company actually paid to settle the charges. A huge difference in some cases! At our office, we see these huge differences every day in the bills from Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital that we receive. Health insurance companies negotiate lower rates for medical care. In your personal injury case, this can make a big difference to you – You will likely pay full, sticker price if you choose options other than health insurance for medical care.
- No Collections. Nobody wants to receive a threatening collections letter!
What are some CONS of using health insurance – And why you should still opt for health insurance if you have it?
- Deductibles And Co-Pays. Yes, you must pay deductibles and co-pays when you use your health insurance. But, those deductibles are still likely to be much less than paying full “sticker” price at the end of your case out of your settlement money! We add your co-pays into the damages we seek to recover for you so you can obtain the maximum compensation possible.
- Subrogation Rights. Health insurance companies can seek reimbursement (subrogation) from your settlement for the amounts paid in medical care. I know – It doesn’t seem fair to reimburse the health insurer when you paid premiums for years or decades. But, in truth, you are going to end up paying for medical care in some manner. You will pay now or later at the end of your case. At the end of your case, using your health insurance is typically the best option that puts the most settlement money in your pocket. Because your health insurer negotiates payments, any reimbursement is likely MUCH LESS than paying for care with costly medical liens (which many settlement mills use to your detriment).
Some law firms fail to advise their clients to use health insurance. Even worse, some settlement mill law firms encourage clients (with health insurance) to obtain treatment through costly chiropractors with liens. This allows medical bills to pile up unnecessarily. It harms people hurt in accidents.
2. Workers’ Compensation (If work-related)
What if driving is a part of your job? Every day, our north Alabama roads are filled with drivers on-the-job. If your car accident occurred while working, you may be covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation pays for medical treatment regardless of fault.
What are the PROS of using workers compensation to pay your medical bills?
- Full Coverage. Work comp covers ALL medical bills for the injury. No Co-Pays. No Deductibles.
What are some CONS of using work comp – And why you should still opt for this system if available?
- Limited Provider Choice. In Alabama work comp situations, your employer (through its insurer) picks the initial authorized treating doctor.
I’m no fan of allowing the employer to pick your initial doctor. This is the reason why it’s essential in work-related car accident cases, that you choose a lawyer skilled at BOTH car accidents and work comp. At the Blackwell Law Firm, we are experienced with most of the physicians handling claims across northern Alabama. We also understand your rights under Alabama work comp laws and how to obtain needed care through the system.
I’ve hear many horror stories of bad results where the accident victim hires a lawyer who neglects the work comp issues. Some lawyers just want to handle the car accident damage claim. But, neglecting the comp portion of the claim can leave a client without needed medical care and can lower the overall settlement. A lawyer skilled at both issues can help you navigate the system to obtain the maximum compensation possible. By that, I mean the maximum compensation from the at-fault party in your car wreck as well as the maximum work comp benefits available to you. It’s essential to hire an attorney who understands and works both claims if you want to put yourself in the best possible position. Consult an attorney skilled in maximizing your total recovery while working all claims available to you!
The Blackwell Law Firm is Top notch. Patricia and Danielle worked so hard to help me and keep me informed. Jeff , was wonderful as well. I would recommend them 1000000%. If you ever have a question, you can reach out and they will explain whatever it is to you. They make you feel like you are family. They go above and beyond. I am truly grateful for the Blackwell Law Firm.
Response from the owner:I'm so happy we could help with your case. We want you to know that you have a partner who will walk with you, and work hard for you, throughout the process. We also agree that Patricia and Danielle are great at what they do! You know that if you ever need anything, we are here to help! Thank you!
I can not express enough to you of how amazing Blackwell lawfirm is! From Patricia and Danielle to Me. Blackwell himself! They treat their clients in just going to say as close as they can like family. My case was handled very well and I’m satisfied with my outcome! Patricia is the heart of the program and you can truly tell that she loves what she does. I didn’t even look at reviews before I called Mr. Blackwell office little over 2.5 years ago but when I met him and he took my workers comp case at the beginning pro bono even if it didn’t turn into a case just so he could help me through the medical that I found out I would need I knew I had found the once in a lifetime attorney! Now he is humble when you tell him that every attorney in town says he is the best dang workers comp attorney in Alabama but I am here to tell you they all say it bc they know it. If you are reading this make an appointment even if you are questioning if you have a case or not he will let you know and you will love the team! Thank you Blackwell law firm once again!
Response from the owner:We are so thankful for the opportunity to help with your case. We also think Patricia and Danielle are amazing!!! They are so helpful with clients navigating the personal injury or work comp processes. From start to finish, we want to provide the advice and help that is needed while working non-stop for your maximum recovery possible. If you ever need anything, please let any of us know. We are always here for you!
Jeff is incredibly thorough, hardworking and honest. Patricia was so helpful throughout the process answering questions promptly and making me feel at ease. I highly recommend the Blackwell Law Firm!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great recommendation, Rob! We truly value your support and are thrilled that you had a smooth process with us.
I highly recommend Blackwell Law Firm. Jeff and his staff are friendly and very professional. My mom and I are very grateful for everything.
Thank you!! 🙂
Response from the owner:We are so happy we could help your mother after her injury. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your mother's doctors to build the best case for her. We are here if you ever need anything! Thank you so much!
The case took years as most cases do, but Patricia was always trying to give updates. And if I had any questions she would always find out the answers, and go into great detail to explain each process and steps that were being taken. Jeff and his team will work their hearts out for you. I highly recommend them for your work comp suits.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the review! When you suffer a serious injury or disability at work, you deserve full work comp benefits. We know how unfair the system can be. That's why we work as hard as possible to recover the maximum benefits available. We want to win everything we can for our clients. We also want you to have the answers you need during each step of the process. I'm so happy we could help!
Excellent service, Danielle and Patricia are awesome. They get back to you fast and answer all your questions. Friendly team. Jeff cares about his clients. Would highly recommend..
Response from the owner:Kathy, thank you so much! We are so happy we could help with your case. We understand injuries and medical care are difficult issues. Our entire team is centered on providing answers, advice and advocacy to help and to obtain the best possible result for you. We focus exclusively on injury cases so we can provide the best possible help. Yes, Patricia and Danielle are great!
If you're wondering whether you need a personal injury lawyer—or you're just unsure who you want in your corner—give Jeff and his team, Danielle and Patricia, a call. They don’t treat you like just another client; they treat you like family.
They respond promptly to questions, often even after hours. The guidance and peace of mind they provide are incredible and virtually unheard of these days.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such a thoughtful review! At Blackwell Law Firm in Huntsville, our goal is to provide every client with personal attention, real answers, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are working hard in your corner! Danielle, Patricia, and I, are all grateful for the trust your wife Dawn and you placed in us. We focus on one thing -- Working hard for families across northern Alabama in personal injury, car accident, and work injury cases. We are so glad we could help!
I can't say enough good things about the people here. From the very beginning from the first phone call with Jeff they have gone to bat for me in everyway. And to Patricia and Danielle, thank you for all you've done. From listening to me cry to putting up with me ranting. And I can't say enough about their empathy. I can never thank them enough.<3
Response from the owner:We are so happy we could help with your case. We loved working with you! We know how stressful things can be following a serious injury. Our whole team is dedicated to helping build the best possible injury case for you. That's all we do. If you ever need anything, you know we are here for you. Thank you so much, Dawn.
3. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Look at your auto policy. Your auto policy may have medical payments coverage, often called MedPay. If so, you can use this money to pay medical bills regardless of who was at-fault.
What are the PROS of using MedPay to pay your medical bills?
- No-Fault Requirements. MedPay is available regardless of fault.
- Quick Payments. MedPay is designed to handle immediate medical costs.
What are some CONS of using MedPay?
- Low Limits. MedPay limits are often very low and may not cover care. Limits are often only $1,000 to $5,000. Once the small coverage is exhausted, you are back to using other options.
- Subrogation / Reimbursement. MedPay rules allow the insurer to be reimbursed from your later car accident settlement. If you choose MedPay instead of health insurance or available work comp coverage, you may be paying medical costs at the higher “sticker” price and you may be creating a larger reimbursement claim. A skilled attorney can help you recover MedPay when it is advantageous to you.
4. Medical Liens
We understand many people do not have health insurance. If you have health insurance or if your accident was work-related, you are almost always better off using those options for medical care. You should normally never use medical liens unless other payment options are unavailable.
While we do NOT recommend liens where other coverage is available, what are some PROS of using liens?
- Access To Care. You can receive medical treatment from your provider when you lack health insurance or other payment options.
- No Immediate Payments. With liens, the medical provider defers payment. This may give you the option to obtain care and pay later from your settlement.
What are some CONS of using medical liens?
- Higher Costs. Remember my mention of the much higher “sticker” price. Even worse than normal sticker shock, medical providers who accept liens often charge MUCH higher rates than they would under health insurance. I’m constantly shocked by the exorbitant prices some settlement mill chiropractors charge on lien.
- Improper Use. In recent years, some medical providers have wrongly asked patients to sign a lien even when health insurance is available. It’s wrong. It’s a bad deal for you. The medical provider may be taking advantage of you to obtain a higher payment. It’s not just medical providers. Some billboard settlement mill law firms operate largely on liens. If you have health insurance or other coverage, they are taking advantage of you. It can make a difference in what you pocket after your settlement. A big difference!
- Unnecessary Treatment. Some unethical medical providers who operate on liens take advantage of patients by performing unneeded treatments to artificially increase the bills. You suffer by paying more in the end!
- Risk Of Disputes. What happens at the end of the case if the medical lien is too high or covers unnecessary care? What happens at the end of the case if a dispute arises over a lien amount but your settlement mill lawyer has some financial relationship with the chiropractor or other medical provider? Your attorney should always work for you. But, attorneys who operate solely on liens may not. You suffer as a result!
As you can tell from my thoughts on the PROS and CONS of liens, I think many lawyers and medical providers abuse the practice. I think this practice is often NOT in your best interest.
Some law firms rely too heavily on liens without exploring other options because they don’t want to take the time to really help you. Some law firms rely too heavily on liens simply because they have financial relationships with a chosen provider or chiropractor, that are NOT in your best interest. Too often, these firms run up charges and leave you with little or no money from your settlement.
I’m not saying liens are always bad. Sometimes, you have no other good options. When you must use liens for medical care, do so with an attorney who puts your interest above all others. Act with caution to get the real care you need while not harming your potential claim. Make sure your lawyer advocates for you!
Common Mistakes Some Law Firms Make
- Failing To Use Health Insurance
- Neglecting Work Comp When Accidents Are Work-Related
- Overusing Medical Liens
- Delaying Communications With Providers
- Ignoring Long-Term Impacts To You
A Strategic Approach to Managing Medical Bills
At the Blackwell Law Firm, we believe lawyers must be proactive during medical care. Unfortunately, not all law firms take the time to navigate these issues effectively.
We believe providing advice during a client’s medical treatment is an essential part of our work. In every case, we discuss these issues at the start. Then, we continue to discuss care with our clients throughout the treatment process. We understand that being thrust into a world of injuries and medical care brings many worries to people. We want to help navigate the process with you to achieve the best result possible for you.
Injured? Speak With Our Huntsville Personal Injury Lawyer Today
(256) 261-1315
