How Long Does It Take Lawyers To Negotiate
As personal injury attorneys, we understand that one of the most challenging aspects of an injury case is negotiating medical bills.
Hospital (ER) and other medical bills can quickly pile up, leaving clients feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle them.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how lawyers negotiate medical bills, the legal steps involved in settling an injury case in Arizona, and what clients can realistically expect from their personal injury attorney regarding their medical bills.
Negotiating medical bills can be a complex process, and it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can navigate the process effectively.
In Arizona, there are specific legal steps that lawyers must follow to negotiate medical bills and settle an injury case successfully.
We will outline these steps in detail, so clients have a better understanding of the process and what to expect.
Additionally, we will discuss the different types of injury settlements, including lump-sum and structured settlements, and what clients should do if their medical bills exceed their settlement amount.
We will also address what happens if a doctor sends a bill after the lawyer has negotiated all current bills and if there is a time limit for doctors to send invoices for services rendered in Arizona.
Finally, we will answer the question of whether lawyers get paid before medical bills are settled.
Key Takeaways
- Lawyers play a crucial role in negotiating medical bills and settling injury cases in Arizona.
- Clients should have realistic expectations of their personal injury attorney regarding their medical bills.
- Understanding the types of injury settlements and potential complications in medical bill settlement is essential for clients to make informed decisions.
Why Contact the Law Gang
If you were injured in a car accident then you deserve to be compensated. That is precisely what insurance is for and why it exists.
Yet, after a car wreck, it can be quite difficult for an every day person to get the compensation benefits they are entitled to.
After an injury there are many out of pocket expense that people need help with to include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from missing work
- Gas / transportation money to see doctors
- Opportunity cost of spending time on the injury
Battling the insurance companies with their lawyers is no easy task which is why you need help and should call the Law Gang today.
We will help you and can do the dirty work of negotiation and dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
No person should have to take on that battle themselves let alone try and get healthy at the same time.
The Law Gang will work hard for you and will try to get the highest settlement possible to make up for your pain, suffering, missed work, doctor / chiropractor bills and other out of pocket expense. Contact us today!
Negotiation of Medical Bills
At times, medical bills can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with an injury case.
As lawyers, we understand that clients need help negotiating their medical bills to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries.
In this section, we will discuss the legal steps in Arizona for negotiating medical bills and realistic expectations for clients regarding their medical bills.
Legal Steps for Negotiating Medical Bills
In Arizona, lawyers can negotiate medical bills by sending a letter of protection to the healthcare provider. This letter informs the healthcare provider that the client has a pending injury case and requests that the provider not send the bill to collections.
The letter of protection also states that the healthcare provider will be paid from the settlement or judgment proceeds.
Additionally, Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-931 requires healthcare providers to reduce their bills by a reasonable amount if the client’s attorney requests it.
This statute applies to healthcare providers who have a contract with the client’s health insurance company.
The state of Arizona spans over 300 miles wide and 400 miles in length. It’s a big state with many busy roads. The Law Gang helps the entire state to include the cities of:
- Chandler
- Scottsdale
- Glendale
Accidental injuries can happen at any venue from a Chipotle restaurant to a sporting activity to a retail store.
Realistic Expectations
Clients should understand that negotiating medical bills takes time and effort. It is not uncommon for healthcare providers to resist reducing their bills, even when the law requires them to do so.
Therefore, clients should expect that the negotiation process may take several months.
Clients should also understand that the amount of the settlement or judgment may not cover all of their medical bills.
In some cases, the settlement or judgment may only cover a portion of the medical bills. In such cases, the client may be responsible for paying the remaining balance.
In conclusion, negotiating medical bills can be a complicated process. However, with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, clients can receive fair compensation for their injuries and reduce their medical bills.
Settlement Process
In Arizona, the settlement process for an injury case can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the complexity of the case.
During this time, we will work diligently to negotiate a settlement that is fair and just for our client.
Rear end car accidents and those with semi-trucks usually happen on side roads or major highways. In Arizona these can span from Interstate 40 or Hwy 93 to E. Aire Libre Ave. to Brookwood Ct.
Duration of Settlement Process
The duration of the settlement process largely depends on the extent of the injuries sustained by our client, the amount of damages sought, and the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate.
We will keep our client informed throughout the process and provide regular updates on the progress of the negotiations.
With big cities and small towns, Arizona is a diverse state with many areas for an accident.
The Law Gang can help no matter where in the state your accidental injury occurred including the counties of:
- Navajo
- Pima
- Pinal
Injury Settlement Agreements
Once a settlement has been reached, the terms of the agreement will be outlined in a settlement agreement.
This agreement will typically include the amount of the settlement, the terms of payment, and any other relevant details.
It is important that our client carefully review the settlement agreement before signing to ensure that they fully understand the terms of the agreement.
In conclusion, the settlement process for an injury case in Arizona can be a lengthy and complex process.
However, we are committed to working tirelessly on behalf of our clients to negotiate a fair and just settlement.
We will keep our clients informed throughout the process and ensure that they understand the terms of any settlement agreement before signing.
Types of Settlements
When it comes to settling an injury case, there are generally two types of settlements: lump-sum settlements and structured settlements.
Lump-Sum Settlements
A lump-sum settlement is a one-time payment made to the injured party to settle their case.
This type of settlement is often preferred by those who want to receive their money upfront and have control over how they use it.
With a lump-sum settlement, the injured party receives the full amount of the settlement at once, minus any attorney fees and medical bills that need to be paid.
Structured Settlements
A structured settlement is a payment plan that is spread out over a period of time. In this type of settlement, the injured party receives regular payments over a set period of time, which can be years or even decades.
Structured settlements are often used in cases where the injured party will require ongoing medical care or will be unable to work for a long period of time.
This type of settlement can provide financial security for the injured party and their family.
When deciding between a lump-sum settlement and a structured settlement, it is important to consider the long-term financial impact of each option.
A lump-sum settlement may be beneficial for those who need immediate financial assistance, but a structured settlement may provide more financial security over time.
At our law firm, we work closely with our clients to determine which type of settlement is best for their individual needs and circumstances.
We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and that their medical bills are taken care of in the settlement process.
Complications Bill Settlement
When it comes to settling medical bills in an injury case, there can be several complications that arise.
In this section, we will discuss some of the common issues that clients may face during the settlement process.
Medical Bills Over Settlement Amount
One of the most common issues that clients face is when the medical bills exceed the settlement amount. In such cases, the client may be responsible for paying the excess amount out of pocket.
However, a skilled personal injury attorney can negotiate with the medical providers to reduce the bills to a reasonable amount.
Post-Negotiation Medical Bills
It is possible that a client may receive medical bills after the attorney has negotiated all of the current bills. In such cases, the client should inform their attorney immediately.
The attorney can then negotiate with the medical provider to reduce the amount or include it in the settlement agreement.
Time Limit
In Arizona, there is no specific time limit for medical providers to send invoices for services rendered.
However, it is important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona is two years from the date of the injury.
Therefore, it is recommended that clients keep track of all medical bills and inform their attorney of any new bills that they receive.
Attorney Fees and Medical Bill Payment
Clients may wonder if their attorney gets paid before their medical bills are paid. In most cases, the attorney’s fees are paid out of the settlement amount before any medical bills are paid.
However, the exact payment order may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
It is important for clients to discuss this with their attorney and have a clear understanding of the payment order before agreeing to a settlement.
In conclusion, settling medical bills in an injury case can be a complex process. However, with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, clients can navigate through these complications and achieve a fair settlement.
