While a successful personal injury claim means that your medical bills should be covered, who will pay for these expenses right away, while your case is still pending? The answer not only varies from state to state, but also varies according to the type of accident in which you have been injured. You can get answers about your specific case when you consult a local personal injury attorney, someone who will be familiar with your region's laws, and who can help you pursue full compensation by winning your personal injury case. In the meantime, keep reading to get an overview of how you can pay your medical costs while your injury claim is still being negotiated.
One universal principles for current medical bills: Defendants do not pay for these. Even if your case is straightforward, and it is obvious that the defendant is liable and should pay damages, the defendant does not have to pay for present medical bills while your settlement is still getting hammered out. This payment can only come once your case is resolved.
One final note before you look into some specifics, if you end up paying your medical bills through health insurance or Medicare coverage, then those entities may be owed reimbursement.
Injuries from Car Accidents
If you were in an accident in a "no fault" state, then no fault insurance could kick in right away, because it does not matter who is at fault for the accident. There is no waiting period because insurance adjusters are quibbling over who is at fault for the accident. Instead, you can get up to a certain amount (typically up to $10,000) to pay for your medical bills. Unfortunately, anything beyond this would have to be covered by health insurance, or by you.
If your accident does not involve no fault insurance, then you will probably be the one paying your current medical bills. That being said, there are drivers who carry medical payment insurance, or
"med pay" coverage. Again, you could probably get as much as $10,000 coverage for your medical expenses. Otherwise, you'll have to foot the bill.
(If you have been in a boating accident, then "med pay" insurance is almost never a possibility; you will almost always be the one who has to pay.)
Slip and Fall Cases (or any other Premises Liability Claims)
It is also possible for a property owner to have "med pay" coverage, which again, can pay for your medical costs up to a specified policy limit. If your medical bills exceed that limit, then you will have to pay for them. If a premises owner does not have this type of property insurance, then you have to pay your medical costs from the start.
Workplace Accidents
Workers' compensation should cover every medical bill. You should not even have to pay for your own deductibles. There are even some states where by law you have to get reimbursed for all expenses related to medical travels, such as gas, tolls, and parking. Workers' compensation should cover you for just about any accident you suffer on the job, sometimes even if the accident did not happen at your job site.
Learn your options when it comes to covering not only your medical bills, but also any property damage costs, lost income, and more. No matter what state you live in, no matter the type of accident, your case can expire. Learn how much your case could be worth, and get answers to any questions you may have about your rights to compensation. Do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney from our directory today!