Medical bills can keep arriving while you are still recovering from an accident. One covers your hospital stay, another lists surgery charges and a third accounts for intensive care. Then your phone rings with an unfamiliar number. The financial pressure can add to your stress, but you may have practical ways to manage these bills while your injury claim is pending.
Why do medical bills arrive before your injury claim settles?
Hospitals and other health care providers often send bills soon after treatment. However, personal injury claims may take months or longer to resolve. This timing difference can leave you with substantial unpaid balances while you wait for settlement funds.
If you do not pay a bill, the provider may transfer your account to a collection agency. As a result, you could receive repeated calls and risk negative information appearing on your credit report.
How could Texas hospital liens affect your settlement?
Under the Texas Property Code, hospitals and certain emergency medical services providers may place liens on qualifying personal injury claims. A hospital lien generally applies when you receive hospital care within 72 hours of an accident. The hospital must also file a written lien notice with the appropriate county clerk to protect its claim.
The lien applies to your settlement or court award, not personal property such as your home or vehicle. However, it may reduce the amount you ultimately receive. You may be able to challenge questionable charges or negotiate a lower lien amount with the hospital.
What can a letter of protection do for you?
A letter of protection (LOP) is a written agreement from your attorney to a medical provider. It generally allows the provider to seek payment from your future settlement or court award.
Some providers may agree to delay collection efforts while your case remains pending. However, an LOP does not guarantee a pause in billing or collection activity. Each provider sets its own terms.
How can a lawyer help handle calls from debt collectors?
Once you hire an attorney, your lawyer may notify collectors and billing offices that you have legal representation. Your attorney may also:
- Ask collectors and billing departments to direct all communications to the law office.
- Examine itemized statements for duplicate charges, billing errors or unrelated treatment.
- Verify that the hospital filed its lien correctly and met applicable deadlines.
- Negotiate reduced medical balances before your claim settles.
These steps may ease collection pressure and help preserve more of your settlement. However, the results depend on your medical expenses, insurance coverage and the circumstances of your claim.
Which documents should you gather before contacting a lawyer?
Organizing your paperwork can help an attorney evaluate your medical debt and potential options. Start by gathering:
- Medical bills, balance statements and collection letters
- Health insurance policies and insurance cards, if applicable
- Treatment records showing medical visit dates and hospital admission dates
Also, keep a record of collection calls, including the dates, times, callers’ names and agencies. These details may help your attorney address disputed bills or collection concerns.
You do not have to face the collectors alone
Medical expenses can create additional stress while you recover from an injury. A personal injury attorney can explain how Texas hospital liens, medical bills and collection efforts may affect your claim. Speaking with a lawyer about your circumstances may help you identify ways to address outstanding balances while pursuing compensation.
