If you file a personal injury claim after a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident, you may receive an insurance settlement offer. Accepting the offer could provide you with financial compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and other damages, depending on your losses. However, some cases take months to settle.
Stop wondering, “How will I pay my medical bills before a settlement becomes final?” This guide explores ways that you can cover your accident-related expenses while your case is pending.
Your Medical Expenses Can Be Wide-Ranging After an Injury
Victims of car crashes, workplace accidents, defective products, and other incidents can incur steep medical bills to treat their injuries. These may include:
- Emergency transportation costs
- Hospitalizations
- Urgent and follow-up doctor’s visits
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication costs
- Medical device or equipment purchases
Some people even need significant home modifications if their injury causes a permanent disability. These costs would also fall under the medical expenses category.
How Personal Injury Plaintiffs Can Pay Medical Bills Before a Settlement Occurs
Whether you have a pending lawsuit or are mulling your legal options, healthcare providers will continue to seek reimbursement for their services. Here are a few ways that you can pay your medical bills before a settlement becomes final:
- Rely on your medical insurance: If you have health insurance, give a provider your policy’s information and see if your insurer will cover some or all of the costs.
- Explore medical liens: Let your healthcare provider know that you have a personal injury case pending or intend to file a claim. Rather than collecting payment right away, they may grant you a medical lien and accept payment from a settlement.
- Apply for pre-settlement funding: Companies may lend pre-settlement funds to plaintiffs that they believe have a strong chance of settling. You can use these funds to pay any outstanding balances on bills and other necessities.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: Depending on your case’s specific details, you may not be able to simultaneously file a personal injury and workers’ compensation claim. Ask an attorney whether this is a viable option, and let workers’ compensation benefits cover some of your medical bills.
- Use your personal savings: As a last resort, your personal savings could go toward covering medical bills.
Consult Stewart & Stewart Attorneys About Your Options
If you’re worried about how you’ll pay your medical bills before a settlement becomes final, a legal professional may be able to help you. Reach out to Stewart & Stewart Attorneys if you’re considering filing a personal injury claim. Our legal team is well versed in handling car accident cases, slip-and-fall claims, and much more.
Contact our firm at 1-866-926-2419 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about settling personal injury claims below.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Personal Injury Case?
It may take months to settle a personal injury case, depending on how willing the plaintiff and defendant are. Cases that don’t settle out of court could proceed to a trial, which can prolong the case even more.
What if My First Settlement Offer Doesn’t Fully Cover My Medical Expenses?
Your attorney could negotiate the offer if they don’t believe it fairly compensates you. You’re under no obligation to accept the first offer you receive.
Can I Use a Settlement Check To Pay My Medical Bills?
Yes, you can wait for a settlement check, or you can choose to pay your medical bills before receiving a settlement using the methods mentioned above.