If you are suffering from injuries you received in an accident caused by the negligence of another, you know the frustration of accumulating medical bills while being unable to work. You likely cannot even meet your regular expenses, much less pay for doctors, hospitals, medical tests, physical rehabilitation and other medical expenses.
If you are suffering from injuries you received in an accident caused by the negligence of another, you know the frustration of accumulating medical bills while being unable to work. You likely cannot even meet your regular expenses, much less pay for doctors, hospitals, medical tests, physical rehabilitation and other medical expenses.
You may even decline medical treatment your doctor tells you need out of stress over how you will pay for it. At AMS Law Group, we can help remove that stress by providing a Letter of Protection (LOP) to your health care providers.
What is a Letter of Protection
While settlement discussion about your case are pending, or your case is being fought in court, insurance companies who may ultimately be responsible for your medical bills generally balk at paying the bills until the litigation is settled or a jury verdict returned. Some insurers may say you should pay them yourself for later reimbursement. Meanwhile, your healthcare providers are getting impatient for their money. They may be sending you late notices and even turn your bills over to a collection agency.
This is where an LOP comes in. It is a letter written by your attorney to your healthcare providers guaranteeing to pay them out of the proceeds of your claim settlement or jury award if the case goes to trial. Your health care providers must agree to postpone any collection action until the close of your case. If you win, so do your healthcare providers because they then get paid for their services.
Basic terms of an LOP. There are three basic terms of an LOP.
- The health care provider will continue providing you all the necessary care until the case is resolved.
- The health care provider will take no collection action during the pendency of the case.
- Your lawyer will pay the medical bills out of the settlement proceeds of your case.
You need to be aware that if your case is not resolved in your favor, you will then be responsible for paying your accumulated medical bills.
Your health care providers need to be aware that if you do not win your case, there will be no settlement proceeds out of which to pay for their services.
Why You May Need an LOP
No matter how you were injured, in a car accident, had a slip and fall mishap on the premises of another, were bitten by a dog, or any other negligent act, even if you have health insurance, you may have trouble having it pay for the diagnosis and treatment your injury requires you to have. Our attorneys will help you find a health care practitioner who is willing to accept an LOP so you can receive the treatment you need and deserve.
Sometimes, what initially seems like a minor issue turns out to be a major one, costing thousands and thousands of dollars for the required medical treatment. With an LOP, your medical expenses are paid out of your settlement funds. Likewise, all attorney’s fees and costs are recovered from the settlement.
The LOP allows you to receive the medical care you are entitled to and enthusiastic and effective legal representation. After all fess and expenses are paid, the remainder of the settlement goes straight into your pocket!
For more information, contact us at AMS Law Group for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and let you know if we can help you win a settlement in your case and write an LOP on your behalf to your health care providers.