Rear-ended and worried about “running up costs”? Are there no benefits left for me after the settlement?
I’ve come across this term, and I’m trying to understand it. Are they saying that some unethical lawyers might send clients to doctors who inflate medical bills, bringing them close to the other party’s insurance policy limits? For example, if the at-fault driver has a $30,000 policy limit, could they run my medical expenses up to $28,000, leaving me with just $2,000? How would the lawyer calculate their cut in this scenario?
I was in a Tesla Model Y when I got hit out of state. My lawyer is trying to find a doctor who works on a lien, but it’s challenging since I’m dealing with a different state than my home. On the bright side, I guess this means I might avoid any unscrupulous doctors who could be colluding with my lawyer to inflate costs. I’m feeling pretty confused.
Should I reach out to find a doctor on my own? Is pain management more effective than seeing an MD? Can I skip chiropractic care and just opt for physical therapy? Would massage therapy be covered? I’m unsure of the next steps, especially since my lawyer isn’t able to assist much due to the out-of-state situation.
Also, I don’t have health insurance.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough situation, and it’s understandable to have concerns about medical costs and the legal process after an accident. To clarify a few things:
Running Up Costs: The term “running up costs” typically refers to the concern that some lawyers might refer their clients to multiple treatments or tests just to maximize the total medical bills, often leading to scenarios where your recovery or settlement amount is heavily impacted. In the example you gave, if the at-fault person’s policy limit is $30,000 and your medical bills come very close to that amount, it would leave less for you after the lawyer takes their cut.
Lawyer’s Cut: Generally, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they take a percentage (often around 30% to 40%) of the settlement amount after costs, which can include medical bills, court fees, etc. In your hypothetical scenario, if your total settlement were $30,000, and your bills were $28,000, the lawyer would take their fee from the total settlement amount, rather than just from your medical bills.
Finding a Doctor: It can definitely be challenging to find a doctor, especially when dealing with the complications of being out of state. However, it’s essential to get appropriate medical care. If your lawyer has connections to doctors who work on a lien basis, that might be a good option for your situation even if it’s in a different state.
Types of Medical Professionals: Pain management specialists often focus on managing and alleviating pain, which can be beneficial depending on your situation. Physical Therapy (PT) can be a great alternative to chiropractic care, and if you find a good physical therapist, they may help address your issues without the need for chiropractic treatments. Massage therapy may also be covered, but it would depend on the specific agreements with your attorney and the way your medical treatment is structured.
Next Steps: Given that you’re not receiving much help from your lawyer in finding a local doctor, it may be beneficial for you to start calling around to find a suitable medical provider yourself. Look for providers who have experience with accident cases and who may be willing to work on a lien basis if that’s a concern for you financially.
Questions to Ask: When calling, be sure to ask if they work with personal injury patients, how payments are handled, and which services are covered. If you have specific concerns about costs or what kind of treatment you should pursue, don’t hesitate to ask the providers directly.
Keep in mind that you deserve proper medical attention, and it’s important to focus on your recovery through whatever means available to you. Good luck, and take care!