If you’re bringing a personal injury claim here in Fort Myers, FL, it’s normal to feel stressed about the medical bills piling up as the case is negotiated. Your personal injury lawyer can not only help you with the case itself but also help you work through a combination of insurance coverage and deferred payment agreements to deal with these bills until you get reimbursement from a settlement or judgment.
For Car Accidents
Florida is a “no-fault” state for car accidents, and this means every driver must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses, up to the policy limit, and 60% of your lost wages if you’re unable to work while you recover. To use your PIP coverage, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
PIP will pay your medical providers directly while your case is pending, regardless of who was at fault, and the insurance company is required by law to pay within 30 days of the date you submit your claim. However, they do have 60 days to investigate the claim. This coverage is often the first source of payment for bills in auto accident cases, though it’s often insufficient, as $10,000 doesn’t go very far.
Health Insurance or Other Coverage
If your PIP benefits run out or are not enough, which is common where there have been serious injuries, or if your claim isn’t being brought after a car accident, you can use your private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to cover the gaps while you wait for a settlement or judgment. These plans usually pay providers right away or as services are provided.
Bear in mind, however, that these insurers have the right to be reimbursed later from any money you receive in your settlement or court award. Your lawyer will keep track, and once your settlement or award is paid, will reimburse your insurer and make sure the insurance company is only reimbursed for what they actually paid.
Getting Letters of Protection
If you do not have enough insurance coverage or otherwise can’t pay the bills immediately, many doctors and medical providers in Florida will treat you if they have a properly prepared Letter of Protection (LOP). An LOP is a written agreement that should be prepared by a qualified attorney. In it, the healthcare provider agrees to wait for payment until your case settles or goes to trial, and you promise to pay them once the settlement or verdict is in.
This can be a wonderful option, but be aware that if your case does not result in a large recovery, or any recovery at all, you will likely still owe your provider the full bill. Talk to your lawyer to be certain of the terms of the LOP
Your lawyer can help you explore other options. Call for a free consultation with Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL to get help with your claim.