A lien is something that ensures a person, group, or business is compensated for services or goods provided to someone else. A “medical” or “hospital” lien is a demand for repayment that can be placed against the personal injury case, not the victim. Hospitals have the right to file a lien in order to receive repayment of the money spent to treat and care for you after an accident. These usually arise if you received emergency treatment at a hospital after an accident and were either uninsured or possessed insurance that did not cover the full bill. Sometimes, a lien can also happen if the hospital finds out that a third-party is responsible.
If a hospital places a lien against your settlement, they must follow certain requirements. The medical lien is filed against the personal injury action, not the victim, for expenses to provide care and treatment after the patient’s injury. The lien may be filed 75 days after patients are discharged or 90 days after they seek care. To be eligible to file, the hospital provider must also ensure that the lien has the proper name, addresses, and dates of service.
What do I need to do about it?
If you sign a lien or find out the hospital is demanding one, it is important to seek out an experienced attorney! They can help you minimize costs in order to prevent financial hardship. A good attorney will negotiate with the providers to find an amount that is appropriate for you and the damages received. Most providers do not want to wait years for payment, so they will most likely be flexible in working with an attorney.
Contact us now!
Call Harriss & Hartman at (706) 861-0203 now for a free consultation with an experienced attorney! We have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims and can help you navigate your case with expertise.
