Settling a personal injury claim can feel like a huge relief. The legal battle is over, and you finally have compensation for your injuries. But for many accident victims, medical bills and expenses don’t conveniently disappear when the settlement check arrives.
Unpaid healthcare costs, insurance deductibles, and medical liens can leave you wondering—can I negotiate these medical bills after my settlement?
Here’s how to tackle medical bills head-on and reduce the burden as much as possible.
Take Stock of Your Medical Expenses
Before negotiating medical expenses, you need a complete picture of what you owe. Compile all bills, invoices, charges, and other paperwork from:
- Hospitals
- Physicians
- Specialists
- Pharmacies
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment suppliers
- Any other providers
Organize the paperwork chronologically so you can see the full timeline and scope of treatment. Also, sort bills by provider so you know exactly what you owe each doctor, hospital, etc.
Having a detailed record makes it easier to verify charges, spot errors, and figure out what expenses are accident-related. It also shows providers you are serious about addressing outstanding bills.
Review Your Settlement Agreement Carefully
The settlement agreement from your personal injury claim contains important information about medical payments. Re-read this document closely to see if there are any provisions about outstanding medical bills and insurance coverage.
Pay particular attention to sections addressing:
- Medical liens against the settlement amount
- Health insurance reimbursements
- Confidentiality clauses restricting what details can be shared
Understanding the settlement contract puts you in a stronger position when negotiating payment plans or reductions in medical expenses.
Contact Providers About Your Situation
With your paperwork organized, you can start contacting healthcare providers directly. Let them know you have settled your personal injury claim and are now addressing outstanding medical bills.
Be honest about your financial situation—for example, if the settlement amount was less than expected. Providers may be willing to negotiate if they know money is tight or that you intend to pay in good faith.
Ask if they would consider reducing your balance or setting up an extended payment plan. Having your complete medical records on hand can help demonstrate good intent.
Work with Your Personal Injury Attorney on Negotiations
Your personal injury attorney can provide tremendous value in negotiating medical bills after a settlement. They have professional relationships and experience with local healthcare providers.
Strategies your attorney may use to reduce expenses include:
- Leveraging their connections to obtain discounts
- Highlighting limited settlement funds
- Proposing reasonable payment plans
If providers have placed liens against your settlement, your attorney becomes even more critical in protecting your rights and limiting what you pay.
Don’t Go It Alone—Get Legal Help Today
An experienced personal injury attorney at Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer can help negotiate your outstanding medical expenses.
They’ll walk you through every step of the process and use their decades of experience to reduce bills as much as possible. Located in Providence, RI, they have helped injury victims navigate medical expenses and get the compensation they deserve.
Contact their team by visiting them online at https://louisgrande.com/ to schedule a free consultation.
