I was rear-ended and now I’m concerned about “running up costs” with medical bills. I’ve heard this term before.
Does “running up your medical bills” mean that unethical lawyers direct clients to doctors to inflate medical expenses, leaving little to nothing from the settlement for the victim? For example, if the at-fault party has a policy limit of $30,000 and my medical bills end up being $28,000, does that mean I would only get $2,000? Where does the lawyer’s fee come from in that situation?
I was in an accident out of state while driving my Tesla Model Y. My lawyer is trying to find me a doctor who will work on a lien, but it’s been difficult since the accident happened in a different state from where I live. I guess that’s a good thing, as it means I might not have to deal with a potentially unethical doctor.
I’m feeling really confused about what steps to take next. Should I look for a doctor myself? Is pain management a better option than seeing a medical doctor? Can I skip chiropractic care and just go for physical therapy? Would massage therapy be covered? I’m unsure how to move forward, especially since I don’t have health insurance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a complicated situation, and I can understand why you’re feeling confused. Let me break down some of your concerns:
“Running up costs”: Yes, the term refers to the concern that some lawyers or doctors may try to inflate medical bills to get as much money as possible from the settlement. In your example, if the at-fault party has a $30k limit and your medical bills are at $28k, then there would only be $2k left for you after the lawyer takes their cut. It’s important to ensure that any medical care you receive is necessary for your recovery and not just to inflate bills.
Lawyer’s cut: Typically, personal injury lawyers take a percentage of the total settlement, often around 30-40%, depending on the agreement. This percentage is taken from the total amount you receive, after medical bills and any other expenses are deducted.
Finding a doctor: Since you’re dealing with an out-of-state accident, finding a provider willing to treat you on a lien (where they agree to wait for payment until your case is settled) can be challenging, but not impossible. It’s important that you find a reputable doctor who can address your injuries without inflating costs.
Types of care: Pain management doctors (who might prescribe medications or recommend interventional treatments) can be beneficial, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing pain. Physical therapy (PT) might be a good alternative to chiropractic care depending on the injuries you’ve sustained. Massage therapy can sometimes be covered under personal injury claims, but it typically depends on your specific situation and the doctor’s recommendations.
Next steps: If you’re comfortable doing so, you can call around for physicians or clinics in the area where the accident occurred. Describe your situation and ask if they have experience dealing with clients in personal injury cases. It might also be worth asking your lawyer for recommendations, even if they seem limited due to the out-of-state situation.
Overall, prioritize your health and recovery. It’s important to receive the care you need to recover fully, and being proactive about finding the right medical providers will help you in the long run. Don’t hesitate to ask your lawyer more questions; they should be there to support you through this process.