While no injury can happen at a good time, personal injuries that occur as a result of someone else’s negligence can alter the trajectory of your life in a way you never expected. You may have been financially stable before your accident. However, now you may be dealing with large, unexpected medical bills with no clear plan on how to pay them. Additionally, you are likely still recovering from your injuries. For many people in similar situations, a viable path toward recovery may be taking out a medical lien. Schedule a consultation with the team at Smith Hulsey Law to learn how medical liens and personal injury claims can work together to help you pay for your medical expenses following an accident.
Similar to other liens you might take out on a piece of property, a medical lien is a form of security interest held by a healthcare provider that is placed on some form of asset owned by the patient. Typically, a medical lien is used when a patient is unable to pay for – or their insurance does not cover – a necessary medical service. It serves as a guarantee that the patient, while unable to pay for the treatment at the time it was needed, will pay for the service at a later date.
The lien will be maintained until the medical bill is paid off, meaning the patient cannot sell or transfer property until the medical lien is removed. In short, a medical lien is the process of receiving healthcare on credit rather than out-of-pocket.
One of the more common instances in which you might see medical liens being used is in personal injury cases. Personal injury accidents can be life-changing and are rarely something you can prepare for. Because of this, medical providers often agree to a lien on the proceeds of the patient’s personal injury settlement. Instead of being paid at that time, medical providers are allowed to wait for the patient to conclude their personal injury trial and collect what they are owed after the outcome is finalized.
While it may be difficult to consider the financial and emotional implications of pursuing a medical lien, it may be in your best interests if you are unable to pay for medical services after an incident. In addition to negotiating to achieve the best possible settlement, a skilled attorney could also work to renegotiate the terms of your lien, possibly reducing or releasing it in the process.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a personal injury and had to pursue a medical lien, talk to the team at Smith Hulsey Law to discuss the next steps. Work with us today to successfully navigate medical liens and personal injury claims.
Smith Hulsey Law
Tap Here For Free Case consult
(678) 273-2700 
