If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the ability to pursue a personal injury claim seeking compensation for all your damages from the at-fault party. However, the process of reaching a settlement or achieving a trial verdict in your favor can often take several months or more, and you will most likely need medical care during this time. As you deal with your ongoing medical expenses, you may understandably be concerned about how you will cover the costs of your treatment until you receive compensation. Your attorney can help you understand your options and what you can expect while your claim is pending and after it has been settled.
Options for Covering Medical Expenses While Your Case Is Pending
Until your personal injury claim is resolved, your best options for managing medical expenses usually include working with your own insurance and health care providers. Specific options include:
- Health or government insurance – Your own personal employer-sponsored or government-sponsored health insurance coverage can often cover a significant portion of your medical expenses related to any injuries you have sustained, though there may be deductibles or copays that you will have to cover on your own, at least temporarily.
- Medical payments coverage – Also known as medpay, medical payments coverage is required for all Wisconsin car insurance policies unless the policy holder explicitly opts out. This coverage can provide for the medical expenses of you and your passengers for injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Required medpay coverage starts at $1,000 per person, but you often have the option to purchase additional coverage. Although every policy is different, in most instances, because medical payment coverages are capped, it is best to use alternate insurances first so that the medical payments coverage can be used for co-pays, deductibles, or uncovered expenses for as long as possible.
- Payment plans – If you lack insurance coverage, or if you are otherwise facing significant out-of-pocket expenses, you may be able to work out a payment plan with your health care provider in order to avoid excessive hardship until you receive compensation. This could include spreading out payments over time or reaching an agreement in which you delay payments until after your settlement or verdict.
- Health care letters of protection and lien agreements – If everything else fails, occasionally, a health care provider may agree to wait until a case is settled before receiving payment, as long as they are given a lien against your recovery. This process is complex and may require the assistance of an attorney.
Keep in mind that if your car insurance or health insurance provider covers some of your expenses, they may be entitled to a portion of your settlement or award in order to reimburse their contributions. This process is known as “subrogation.” Your attorney can advise you on an approach to your claim that can help you obtain adequate compensation to account for both subrogation and your own personal needs.
Contact an Appleton, WI Personal Injury Lawyer
At the Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd., we understand the financial stress that you may be under after you have been injured in an accident. As we work to achieve full and fair compensation from any negligent parties, we will also help you consider your options to ease your financial burden and stay afloat during this challenging time. Contact a Green Bay personal injury attorney for a free consultation today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/632/iv/32/2/g/2/c
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/803/04/2