When someone is injured in a car accident, medical care often comes before anything else. For those without health insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket, getting the treatment they need can feel out of reach. That is where medical liens come into play.
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we frequently work with clients who receive treatment on a lien basis. Understanding how medical liens work and how they can affect your personal injury settlement is important for making informed decisions about your recovery.
What Is a Medical Lien?
A medical lien is an agreement between an injured person and a medical provider that allows the provider to defer payment until the personal injury case is resolved. Instead of collecting money up front, the provider agrees to be paid from the settlement or verdict.
This type of arrangement can make it possible for someone to receive emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, or specialist treatment without immediate costs. However, it also means the provider has a legal claim to a portion of any financial recovery.
When Are Medical Liens Used?
Medical liens are most often used when the injured person:
- Does not have health insurance
- Has high deductibles or out-of-network restrictions
- Cannot afford co-pays or other up-front expenses
- Needs immediate care but cannot wait for insurance approval
In these situations, medical liens help accident victims access the care they need while their legal claim is pending.
How Do Medical Liens Affect My Settlement?
When your case resolves, the amount owed under a lien will be deducted from the total recovery. This can reduce the net amount you receive. However, medical providers are often willing to negotiate the lien amount, especially when the total settlement is limited.
At our firm, we work with lien holders to try to reduce what is owed whenever possible. Our goal is to ensure that your final compensation reflects the care you received while still leaving you with a meaningful recovery for your pain, lost wages, and other damages.
Are Medical Liens a Risk?
They can be. While they provide important access to care, medical liens can complicate a case if not properly managed. For example:
- Providers may charge more than insurance would typically allow
- Liens must be satisfied before funds can be distributed to the client
- Disputes can arise over the validity or reasonableness of a lien
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make a significant difference in how liens are handled and resolved.
We Help You Navigate Every Part of Your Case
Medical care is often one of the most stressful parts of a personal injury claim. At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we understand what you are going through, and we help clients get the care they need while protecting their rights during the legal process.
If you were injured in a car accident or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
