After an injury, you expect to get the full amount of compensation you deserve to cover your expenses. Unfortunately, your insurers and healthcare providers might not be so invested in your health. Instead, they want repayment for the care they provided before you got your settlement.
When the insurance company is expecting some payment from your personal injury settlement, you’ll likely need help. You’ll need a lawyer who can help you understand health insurance liens and personal injury settlements . That way, you’ll know what you’ll need to pay and how to negotiate fair payments with those who have placed liens on your award.
What Is a Health Insurance Lien?
After your accident, your insurance company might have paid for your medical care and repairs to your property. While you might have been paying your premiums regularly for years, you might find yourself with a health insurance lien.
These liens are court orders that state that a party has a claim to a portion of your settlement award. This means that a significant portion of your settlement may be used for repaying the groups that covered the costs for your pre-settlement care, which may include the following:
- Auto insurance companies
- Healthcare providers (when health insurance doesn’t cover all expenses)
- Health insurance companies
Splitting Your Settlement
When you have received your personal injury settlement and these companies begin placing liens on your property, you may need to contact an attorney to make sure you’re treated fairly. While those who filed health insurance liens may be entitled a portion of your settlement, many of these groups will purposefully overcharge or word their agreements vaguely. This could mean you’ll be paying far more than you should be paying.
Your lawyer should be able to contact anyone you owe for your treatment or repairs at the beginning of the case and assess the value of your claim to reduce the amount you owe as much as possible. We may even question how reasonable the lien is and make reductions where possible.
We’ll also be able to calculate what you’ll really receive after health insurance liens and other expenses are settled. That way, you won’t get any nasty surprises by thinking you’ll receive a significant amount and then actually receiving a much smaller amount.
An Attorney Can Help You
Determining which care provider is owed what can be confusing, and when all of them are placing liens on the personal injury settlement you just received, it can be overwhelming. You’re still dealing with major injuries and trauma yourself, so it’s easy to make a mistake or pay far more than you should have reasonably been expected to pay.
Fortunately, a lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates can help you organize your health insurance liens and personal injury settlement to your advantage. Get started with a free consultation, and we’ll discuss what steps we’ll take to make sure you get a reasonable settlement without giving it all to the insurance companies. To speak to our attorneys, call 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the form below.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp
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Client Reviews
“I was concerned with all the paperwork”
Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.
Amber W.,
Spokane, WA
"I would hire them in a second"
My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.
Robert N.,
Spokane, WA
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I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.
Lacey B.,
Salt Lake City, UT
"I was afraid that my issue was too small"
I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.
J. Rohas,
Caldwell, ID
"I am very pleased with the results"
My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.
Dollie J.,
West Jordan, UT