Medical treatment is one of the most expensive services in the United States. If you are injured in an accident, your medical bills may be overwhelming, depending on the severity of your injuries. The last thing you want to worry about while you recover is paying your medical expenses, so we rely on our health insurance carrier to cover our costs.
Unfortunately, some health insurance companies place a “medical lien” on your account to recover payment for their services from your potential personal injury settlement or verdict. This is often a tiring and complex process for accident victims recovering from injuries.
If you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, contact a personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor in Rock Hill. We value the attorney-client relationship, and we will do everything we can to help you understand the implications of health insurance liens, how they may affect your settlement, and how you can get your medical bills paid.
What is a Medical Lien?
A medical lien is a claim your health insurance company has on any money you may receive from a third party. This includes money from settlements from a personal injury claim, judgments, or awards. Health insurance companies have liens on settlements to ensure that they are reimbursed for the medical expenses that they have paid on your behalf.
For example, let’s say you are in a car accident and receive $100,000 in a settlement from the other driver. If your medical bills total $50,000, your health insurance company may try to put a lien on the settlement for the full amount of the bills.
How Much Do I Have to Pay on Medical Liens in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have any statewide provisions on medical liens. So, the amount you have to pay on medical liens is entirely dependent on your particular situation and the health insurance provider. In some cases, you may be required to pay the full amount of the lien. In other cases, you may only be required to pay a portion of the lien. This is generally based on the terms of your health insurance policy.
Because South Carolina doesn’t have provisions on medical liens, the process is more complex. If you have questions about dealing with a medical lien on your settlement, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. We will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Contact a Rock Hill Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in an accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor in Rock Hill. We can help you understand your rights and options when dealing with insurance companies and medical liens. We will fight for you to get the full compensation you deserve.