Are you still facing high medical bills after receiving a settlement for your injury or accident? Negotiating medical bills after a settlement can be difficult, but it is possible to reduce your medical costs with the appropriate strategy.
Many consumers pass up the option to negotiate their medical expenses, believing that the settlement should cover all costs. If you approach healthcare professionals properly, they will often be willing to work with you to lower your medical bills.
A personal injury lawyer in Atlanta can be a helpful resource for you as you navigate the process of negotiating your medical expenses following a settlement. Here is a brief guide on what you can do.
Negotiation After a Settlement Is a Common Practice
After reaching a settlement in a personal injury case, negotiating medical bills that were paid during treatment is an important step to help pay your medical expenses and still retain as much of your settlement as possible.
Often, the insurance company or healthcare providers may have paid for the medical expenses upfront, and they will seek reimbursement from the settlement amount. However, it is common for these medical bills to be inflated or contain unnecessary charges.
By negotiating with the healthcare providers or insurance company directly, or through your personal injury attorney, it is possible to reduce the amount owed and increase the overall settlement amount for the injured party.
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How Are Medical Expenses Paid in a Personal Injury Accident?
Many turn to their health insurance plans first. Health insurance can help offset the costs before your settlement happens. Some individuals may also have add-on policies for their auto insurance coverage that can help cover medical expenses after an accident.
For example, personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payment coverage (MedPay) can provide additional financial support for medical bills related to injuries sustained in a car accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta can explain further.
Or, if the accident occurred while on the job, workers’ compensation coverage may step in to pay for medical treatment and related costs. By utilizing these various forms of coverage and financial assistance options, you can ensure that their medical bills are taken care of as the process moves along.
What Is Subrogation in a Personal Injury Claim?
Subrogation can occur when a health insurance company or another party seeks reimbursement from a personal injury settlement to cover medical expenses they have already paid for.
This process can be complex and overwhelming for individuals already dealing with the aftermath of an injury. However, with an experienced injury accident lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that your rights and financial well-being will be protected.
Our legal team diligently examines subrogation claims to ensure their validity and negotiates with insurance carriers to minimize their impact on your settlement, allowing you to focus on your recovery without added stress.
Will the Insurance Company Take Part of My Settlement?
When you are involved in a personal injury case and your medical care was covered by insurance or paid for through a medical lien, you will likely have to pay back the insurance companies from your settlement.
This is because the insurance company essentially fronted the cost of your medical treatment with the understanding that they would be reimbursed once you receive compensation for your injuries.
Failure to reimburse them could result in legal action being taken against you. This is why it is so important to negotiate your medical bills after an accident. These negotiations can result in significant savings.
How Do I Negotiate With Insurance Companies to Reduce My Medical Costs?
To negotiate successfully with the health insurance company, you should start by gathering all necessary documentation and evidence to support your case. This can include medical records, expert opinions on the necessity of certain treatments, and any other relevant information.
Presenting a strong argument backed by solid evidence can help you negotiate more effectively and potentially reduce the amount of reimbursement the insurer is demanding. It is also helpful to consult your personal injury lawyer to guide you through the negotiation process and ensure that your interests are protected.
By being diligent, proactive, and strategic in your negotiations with the health insurance company, you may be able to reach a more favorable resolution for both parties involved.
Can a Lawyer Help Me Negotiate My Bills?
Having a personal injury attorney on your side can greatly benefit you when negotiating medical bills after a settlement. Experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling these negotiations and have established relationships with healthcare providers and insurance companies.
We can review the medical bills for accuracy and reasonableness, and advocate on your behalf to get them reduced.
By having someone knowledgeable in your corner, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while knowing that your financial interests are being protected during this crucial stage of the settlement process.
Contact Us for More Information on Negotiating Medical Bills After a Settlement
While a settlement provides relief, sizable medical bills can still cause stress. The dedicated lawyers and staff at John Foy & Associates want to ensure clients emerge from the legal process financially secure.
You need not face this challenge alone. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss personalized strategies for bringing medical expenses in line. Our priority remains minimizing long-term burdens so you can focus fully on healing.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form