So, you got hurt. Maybe it was a car accident, a slip on an overly waxed and slippery grocery store floor, or a dog that mistook your leg for a chew toy. However it happened, you’re now facing a mountain of medical bills that seems taller than the Arch. And of course, the bills arrive with a sense of urgency that would make a debt collector blush. But don’t panic—yet. Let’s break this down.
The True Cost of an Injury: It’s More Than Just a Band-Aid and a Bill
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting the emergency room, you already know that medical expenses aren’t just steep—they’re absurd. You get a few X-rays, maybe a cast, a couple of painkillers, and suddenly, you owe more than your car is worth. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you might be wondering, “Shouldn’t they be paying for this?” Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It’s complicated (but we’ll help you sort it out).
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After an Injury? (Hint: It Shouldn’t Be You)
One of the biggest misconceptions about personal injury cases is that the at-fault party will immediately whip out their checkbook and start paying your bills as they roll in. That’s not how this works. In reality, medical providers want their money now, and the at-fault party’s insurance company is in no rush to cough up a dime until they absolutely have to. This is not by accident. The more bills that rack up, the more likely you are to get desperate and accept a lower settlement offer.
So, what are your options?
- Health Insurance to the Rescue (Kind Of)
Your health insurance may cover some of your medical expenses but don’t expect them to do it out of the kindness of their hearts. If you receive a settlement down the road, your insurance company will likely expect reimbursement for whatever they paid on your behalf. This process, known as subrogation, ensures that insurers aren’t footing the bill for someone else’s negligence. An attorney can help with this part too- not all insurance companies are entitled to subrogation, and sometimes it is possible to negotiate with the few that are.
- Med Pay: A Hidden Gem in Your Auto Policy
If you were injured in a car accident, check your auto insurance policy for something called Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay). This is a no-fault coverage that can help pay for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. The best part? It doesn’t require reimbursement in most cases.
- The At-Fault Party’s Insurance (Eventually)
If someone else caused your injury, their insurance should ultimately cover your medical expenses. The catch? They won’t pay until you settle your case. That means while you’re racking up medical bills, the insurance adjuster is in no hurry to hand over a check. This is where having an experienced injury lawyer (like us!) comes in handy.
- Hospitals Want to Get Paid—And They Will Find a Way
Medical providers have their own way of ensuring they get their money. Some hospitals and doctors will file a medical lien against your settlement, meaning they’ll take their payment before you ever see a dime. Others will simply send your bills to collections, which is about as fun as it sounds. That’s why it’s crucial to have a lawyer who can negotiate these expenses and keep the debt collectors off your back while your case is pending.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Avoid Drowning in Debt
When you’re injured, the last thing you need is to spend sleepless nights stressing over hospital bills. That’s our job. Here’s how we can help:
- Negotiate Your Bills: Hospitals and medical providers often inflate bills knowing they’ll eventually have to negotiate. We work to reduce your medical costs so that more of your settlement stays in your pocket.
- Delay Collections: We can communicate with providers and try to hold off on aggressive collection efforts while your case is ongoing.
- Maximize Your Compensation: The at-fault party’s insurance company is not your friend. However, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar and they will certainly be friendly at the beginning to keep you from calling an attorney. They’ll do everything they can to lowball you, but we make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
- Handle the Paperwork: Nobody likes paperwork—except lawyers, apparently. We deal with the forms, negotiations, and fine print so you don’t have to.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Let Medical Bills Scare You Into a Bad Settlement
Insurance companies know that mounting medical bills can make injury victims desperate. They’ll dangle a quick (and unfairly low) settlement offer in front of you, hoping you’ll take it just to stop the financial bleeding. Don’t fall for it. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more—even if you later realize your injuries are worse than you thought.
Ready to Take the Next Step? We’re Here to Help.
At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your financial stability. If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Louis, we’ll fight to make sure you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—without getting shortchanged by insurance companies.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s make those medical bills someone else’s problem.