Have you ever received a notice from your doctor’s office stating that they have filed a lien against you? If so, you may be wondering what it means and why they did it.
Medical liens are a common tool used by doctors’ offices to secure payment for services rendered, but they can be confusing and even intimidating for patients.
At Slam Dunk Attorney, we believe that it’s important for patients to understand their rights and options when it comes to medical liens. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why a doctor’s office might file a lien against a patient, as well as strategies for negotiating and resolving medical liens.
Whether you’re facing a medical lien as a result of a personal injury case or simply struggling to pay your medical bills, our Duluth car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex world of medical liens and get the care you need.
Unpaid Medical Bills
Unpaid medical bills are one of the most common reasons why a doctor’s office might file a lien against a patient.
When a patient receives medical treatment but is unable to pay for it, the doctor’s office may choose to file a lien as a way of securing payment. This can be a more effective option than sending the bill to collections, as it allows the doctor’s office to claim a portion of any settlement or judgment that the patient might receive in the future.
However, it’s important to note that medical liens can have serious consequences for patients. For example, if a medical lien is filed against a patient, it can show up on their credit report and negatively impact their credit score. This can make it more difficult for the patient to obtain credit in the future, such as when applying for a car loan or a mortgage.
If you’re facing a medical lien due to unpaid medical bills, it’s important to understand your rights and options. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the doctor’s office or explore other forms of financial assistance, such as Medicaid or charity care programs. In some cases, it may also be possible to negotiate with the doctor’s office to reduce or eliminate the lien.
Personal Injury Cases
In addition to unpaid medical bills, medical liens are commonly used in personal injury cases. When a person is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, they may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, if the injured person received medical treatment as a result of their injury, the doctor’s office may file a medical lien as a way of securing payment for their services.
In a personal injury case, a medical lien can be a useful tool for both the doctor’s office and the injured person. The doctor’s office can use the lien to ensure that they are paid for their services, while the injured person can use the lien as evidence of their medical expenses when seeking damages in their lawsuit.
However, it’s important to note that medical liens in personal injury cases can be complex and involve multiple parties. For example, if the injured person has health insurance, their insurer may also have a stake in the case and seek to recover some of the damages awarded in the lawsuit. This is known as subrogation.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Medical liens are also commonly used in workers’ compensation cases, where an injured employee may be entitled to benefits for medical treatment and lost wages. If the injured employee receives medical treatment, the doctor’s office may file a medical lien to secure payment.
However, medical liens in workers’ compensation cases can be complicated, as the employer or their insurance company may also have a stake in the case and may seek reimbursement for any benefits paid.
Negotiating and Resolving Medical Liens
Patients facing medical liens may have the option to negotiate with the doctor’s office to reduce or eliminate the lien. Strategies for negotiating may include hiring a Duluth car accident lawyer, documenting financial hardship, or exploring other forms of financial assistance.
It’s important to resolve medical liens before settling personal injury or workers’ compensation cases, as failure to do so can result in the lienholder taking a portion of the settlement or judgment.
At Slam Dunk Attorney, we can help patients negotiate and resolve medical liens, ensuring they receive the care they need without facing unnecessary financial burdens.
Contact Slam Dunk Attorney Today
If you’re facing a medical lien or other legal issue related to a personal injury case, don’t hesitate to contact Slam Dunk Attorney today. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and options, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
With a free initial consultation and a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule your free case review and start getting the help you need.
