Medical treatment after an injury is often extensive and expensive. Even if you have medical insurance, you may not be able to afford your portion of the bill. This issue can prevent you from receiving the medical care you need for your recovery. In such situations, a New Orleans accident attorney may be able to offer a letter of protection to medical provides to help you get the medical care necessary for your recovery.
How a Letter of Protection Works
Your NoLA personal injury attorney drafts a letter of protection and sends it to the medical facility or provider where you are seeking treatment. It promises that the medical expenses incurred will be paid to the medical provider once compensation has been received. In other words, before you receive any money, your attorney will pay your medical bills. It is basically receiving medical care on credit.
Why is a Letter of Protection is Necessary?
Many medical providers and facilities require payment at the time of service. Even if you have health insurance, your insurance provider may not provide coverage in a personal injury situation, such as a car accident, or cover all expenses. Some health insurance companies take the position that the responsible party’s insurance policy should cover all costs of an accident injury.
This puts you in an unfortunate situation. You need medical care now, before the insurance company for the other party has completed its investigation and agreed on a settlement figure. How can you afford to pay for the medical care you need?
Protecting the Victim
In a situation like this, you may feel forced to take the first settlement offer the insurance company offers even though the offer may not be enough to cover all of your damages — the insurance company for the other parties knows this. It is one of the tactics used by insurance companies to pay low settlements. The insurance company knows you are in a financial bind; therefore, it throws out a low offer in hopes you are desperate enough to accept the offer.
To protect your best interest, our attorneys will discuss a letter of protection with any medical provider that requires payment now. This letter allows you to receive the medical care you need while your attorneys and the insurance company for the at-fault party conduct an investigation and come to terms on the settlement. If no agreement can be reached, the case may continue on to litigation.
In addition, a letter of protection may be used to cover previous medical expenses related to the accident. For example, you may have been transported to the hospital at the time of the accident for treatment. Your health insurance company rejected the claim because the expenses were related to a car accident. You hire an attorney who sends the letter to the collection agency or medical facility promising to pay the medical bills out of the settlement proceeds.
Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney
The letter of protection is just one reason to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will advise you on the different aspects of your case and ensure your right to a full settlement is protected. This allows you to focus on your recovery instead of worrying about paying medical bills. You don’t have to postpone or forego treatment that can help you recover faster, which can enable you to improve your quality of life quicker.
Contact The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.