What’s the difference between a letter of protection and a lien in personal injury cases?
When you’re injured and in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit, figuring out how to pay for your medical treatment until you get a settlement can be a major worry. There are two main ways to handle this: a letter of protection or a medical lien.
Keep reading to learn more about letters of protection and medical liens from our skilled Murfreesboro personal injury lawyers. If you were hurt in an incident that wasn’t your fault, call us at (615) 220-4180 to schedule a free case consultation.
What is a letter of protection?
A letter of protection is a promise your lawyer makes to your doctor. This promise tells the doctor they will get paid from the money you win in your lawsuit, allowing you to immediately get the treatment you need without paying upfront.
Important points about letters of protection
- You don’t pay now – Your medical bills can wait until you settle your lawsuit or win in court.
- Your lawyer backs you up – Your lawyer guarantees your doctor will be paid from your settlement.
- Everyone agrees – You, your lawyer, and your doctor agree on this arrangement, which helps you get care without delay.
What is a medical (hospital) lien?
A medical lien is a way for your doctor or hospital to claim a part of your settlement directly. It’s like they put a marker on a portion of your future settlement money to ensure they get paid for their services.
Important points about medical liens
- It’s automatic – Unlike a letter of protection, a lien doesn’t need your agreement to be put in place.
- It’s a must-pay – You have to pay off these liens from your settlement before you can use the money for anything else.
- Order of payment – Some liens, like those from the government, get paid before others.
Which should you use?
The choice between a letter of protection and a medical lien depends on what’s best for your situation, what your medical providers prefer, and what your lawyer advises.
Benefits of a letter of protection
- More control – You can work out flexible terms with your doctor.
- Less stress – You can focus on recovery without worrying about bills immediately.
Benefits of a medical lien
- Guaranteed payment for doctors – Doctors know they will get paid because the lien is legally binding.
- Less for you to do – As the law decides, you don’t have to negotiate how much gets paid.
How Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can help
Dealing with medical bills while waiting for a lawsuit to resolve is tricky, and you’ll want experienced lawyers to help you. At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we’re skilled in handling both letters of protection and medical liens. We ensure our clients can receive the medical treatments they need without upfront costs and effectively manage any liens attached to their settlements.
We support our clients by:
- Explaining your choices – We make sure you understand each option and its impact.
- Talking to doctors – We negotiate with your medical providers to get favorable terms for a letter of protection.
- Dealing with liens – We manage any liens to ensure they are paid properly and fairly.
If you’re dealing with injuries from an accident and worried about your medical bills, reach out to Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers today. We’ll help you understand your options and work to get you the compensation and care you need.
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