The Financial Aspects of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you are considering pursuing a lawsuit following a personal injury, one pressing question you might have is, "Who will cover my bills?" As a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries, I'm here to guide you through the financial aspects of a personal injury lawsuit and explain who typically bears the responsibility for your expenses during this process.

Initial Medical Expenses

After an accident, your immediate medical expenses are typically covered by your health insurance, if you have it, or your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other medical treatments you might need.

If you don't have health insurance, you may need to pay these bills out of pocket or explore other options, such as medical liens or using your auto insurance's medical payment coverage.

The Role of Auto Insurance

In many personal injury cases involving car accidents, medical bills and other damages are usually paid by the insurance of the driver who caused the accident, up to their policy limits. However, it can take some time for the payment to be made, as it usually happens as part of an agreement or legal ruling. 

Health Insurance Subrogation

If your health insurance covers your medical expenses, they may have a right to claim back money from any settlement or compensation you receive for medical expenses. This is known as health insurance subrogation. But don't worry, your attorney can negotiate with your health insurance provider to minimize the amount you'll need to repay.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your auto insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage can help cover your medical bills and other damages when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.

Attorney's Fees 

When you hire a personal injury attorney, you don't have to worry about paying them upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Their fee is a percentage of the money you receive from the settlement or judgment, so you won't have to pay anything out of your own pocket. This takes away the financial burden of hiring a lawyer and allows you to focus on your recovery.

Timing and Patience

It's important to understand that personal injury lawsuits can take time to resolve. While your attorney works on building a strong case, it's important that you remain patient when it comes to paying your bills. Keeping in touch with your healthcare providers and creditors is key to managing any outstanding bills while your case advances. 

Conclusion

In a personal injury lawsuit, various parties may be responsible for covering your bills, including health insurance, auto insurance, and the at-fault party's liability insurance. Your attorney plays a crucial role in negotiating and securing the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other damages. While the road may be challenging, legal professionals are here to help you navigate it and fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident.