If you have been injured in an accident one of the biggest concerns can be how you are going to pay for your medical expenses while still taking care of yourself and/or your family. The financial burden of an accident can be immense, but an attorney specializing in personal injury law can help make certain that your medical expenses are paid for and that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Here are some very important things to keep in mind if you have been injured in an accident.
1. Keep track of your expenses: Even if you are not at fault in the accident that caused your injuries, this does not mean that those at fault have to pay for your medical expenses as they occur. Eventually, any kind of financial settlement or awarded damages will likely include all of your medical expenses so you will want to keep track of any money you spend out of pocket on your medical care and any bills that accumulate during your care.
The one exception to this rule is if you have been involved in an auto accident in a “no fault” state. In these cases your auto insurance provider will pay some or all of your medical expenses as you need them. There can be a cap to the amount that they will spend on your behalf (this can vary from policy to policy), but they will help you pay our expenses then later they will seek to recoup that money from the at fault party.
2. Slip and fall accident medical expenses: If you have been injured due to a slip and/or fall accident you may have to pay for your medical expenses as they occur then seek to recover damages from the property owner in a lawsuit. However, some property owners will have an insurance policy that includes “med pay” coverage. If the property owner has this coverage they can use it to pay for your medical expenses as they occur.
3. On the job accidents: If you are injured on the job your workers’ compensation insurance should pay for you medical bills as they occur. Workers’ comp laws do not require you to pay any of your medical expenses out of pocket nor should you have to pay any insurance deductibles. In many states worker’s comp insurance will also reimburse you for any transportation expenses you incur going to and from your medical appointments. You should consult your personal injury attorney on how best to keep track of these things to make certain you are fully compensated for them.
4. Repayment to insurers: If an insurance company including Medicare or a state agency, pay for any or all of your medical expense related to your accident you will likely have to pay them back. Normally, this payback occurs through the settlement process and will be paid from the payout you receive from the party at fault. Be certain to check with your attorney to make certain these are included in your settlement.
Medical expenses related to an accident can add up quickly and if you require ongoing care they can go on for a long period of time. Hiring an attorney that specializes in personal injury law is the best thing you can do to help make certain that all of your medical expenses past, present and future are properly taken care of.