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05/05/25   |   By

What Happens to My Medical Bills After I Settle?

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You’re probably worried about your medical bills after your accident. When you finally get your settlement check, you might wonder: “How will I pay all these medical bills? How much money will I actually keep?”

Healing from your injuries is hard enough—you don’t need the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Your attorney will help track all your medical expenses during your settlement process. This includes dealing with healthcare provider liens, insurance claims, and deciding which payments come first. They’ll explain everything so you can make good decisions about your claim and get fair compensation that covers both your current and future medical needs.

Figuring out medical bills after an accident can be confusing. That’s why our attorneys at Regan Zambri Long offer personalized help. Our experienced team will guide you through the settlement and help you keep as much compensation as possible.

Call us today for your free consultation.

How Medical Bills Are Handled After a Settlement

When you settle your injury case, your medical bills still need to be paid. These medical costs make up most of your settlement amount.

A fair agreement covers:

  • Medical bills you already have
  • Medical costs you might have in the future

Your medical expenses typically include things like emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, medications, therapy sessions, and any medical equipment you need.

After your settlement is agreed upon, the insurance company sends a check to your lawyer, who puts it in a special account. Before you get your money, your lawyer must pay your outstanding medical bills using the compensation awarded.

Do I Have to Pay My Medical Bills From My Settlement?

You are generally responsible for your medical bills after receiving a settlement. Your settlement compensates you for various losses, including medical expenses. A portion will typically go toward paying medical bills, with the amount depending on:

  • The total amount of your settlement
  • The sum of your outstanding medical bills
  • Any negotiations or reductions your attorney secures
  • Applicable state laws regarding medical liens and subrogation

Subrogation

Subrogation laws allow insurance companies to claim reimbursement for expenses paid while a personal injury claim is pending.

Reimbursement is often included in your settlement funds. Insurance companies maintaining this right include:

  • Health insurance companies that covered medical costs
  • Auto insurance companies, when Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage pays initial costs
  • Medicare, Medicaid, and workers’ compensation programs

If your health or car insurance paid some initial accident costs, a portion of your settlement funds may go toward reimbursement. An attorney from Regan Zambri Long will review all applicable insurance coverage to ensure you retain maximum compensation for your financial burdens and physical recovery.

Who Gets Paid First? Understanding the Order of Payments

Settlement distribution generally follows a pre-determined priority order, though specific circumstances occasionally change the sequence. The injury victim collects any remaining settlement funds only after all other expenses are paid.

Medical Providers and Hospitals

Healthcare providers and hospital bills typically get first priority once a settlement is reached. Hospitals, physicians, surgeons, ambulances, and rehabilitation facilities often put a medical lien on your settlement proceeds.

Health Insurance Companies

Your health insurance provider may claim reimbursement from your settlement funds. If Medicare or Medicaid paid medical expenses related to your accident, they often take priority in reimbursement claims. You may accrue significant penalties if you fail to reimburse these government programs properly.

Attorney Fees and Legal Costs

Some personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis, covering your legal fees until a recovery is made in your favor. In accordance with your fee agreement, attorney fees and case expenses are paid after liens and subrogation claims, but before you receive your portion of the settlement.

When seeking fair compensation, your personal injury lawyer will consider all financially invested parties. Financial strain is a significant concern, and receiving a check for less than your settlement amount can be stressful. Regan Zambri Long will provide a detailed breakdown of how your personal injury case settlement will be distributed.

Medical Liens and Their Impact on Your Settlement

In cases where you receive care without paying medical bills, medical providers can make a legal claim against your settlement or verdict to ensure they are compensated for your medical treatment. A lien can significantly affect how much of your settlement amount you receive.

What Is a Medical Lien?

A Washington, DC, medical lien can be statutory (created by law), contractual (based on a signed agreement), or court-ordered.

A lien ensures medical providers are paid for their services before you access your recovery. Payment comes directly from your settlement funds.

How Hospitals, Doctors, and Insurers Recover Costs Through Liens

When your accident costs are paid on a lien basis, you receive medical treatment for physical injuries after the accident. You will either agree to a contractual lien, or the provider or insurer will send notice of a statutory lien.

During settlement negotiations, your attorney will ensure that the lien amount is included in your case value. When a settlement is reached, your attorney pays the lienholder directly from the settlement funds.

Negotiating or Reducing Medical Liens

Your personal injury lawyer may use several negotiation tactics to reduce medical liens. They may identify billing errors, reduce bills based on quick payment guarantees, or apply the statutory cap that allows lienholders to recover up to one-third of a settlement.

Regan Zambri Long’s injury attorneys have extensive experience with lien negotiations and maximizing client compensation. Call our law office today to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.

What if My Settlement Isn’t Enough to Cover My Medical Bills?

A personal injury lawsuit settlement should provide compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. You may have options to recover additional compensation. Regan Zambri Long will:

  • Review whether all available insurance policies were properly identified
  • Explore whether additional parties may share liability
  • Determine if your own policies include underinsured motorist coverage
  • Assess whether your case was properly valued during negotiations

You may be able to reopen negotiations if new information emerges about your injuries or medical condition.

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance Programs

If your settlement doesn’t fully cover your expenses and additional compensation is not available, you may be able to utilize a payment plan or financial assistance program.

In the DC Metro area, medical debt is high. Fourteen percent of Maryland voters were impacted by medical debt in 2023, and DC’s mayor cancelled $90 million of medical debt for DC residents.

If you are concerned about your personal injury lawsuit settlement, contact Regan Zambri Long today. Your lawyer can help you negotiate reduced payments and explore medical debt forgiveness options.

Protecting Your Settlement: Steps to Take Before You Accept an Offer

The at-fault party may make a settlement offer that seems fair but ends up being insufficient for medical expenses and other bills. Consulting with an attorney ensures you understand the true value of your personal injury case.

Understanding All Medical Bills in a Personal Injury Settlement

To get a full picture of your total costs, you need to gather all your medical bills related to your injury, identify the outstanding balances, and obtain health insurance statements. If you do not have one, request itemized bills for your medical care, so your legal team can identify errors. A thorough accounting of your injury expenses is the first step in making sure you receive full compensation.

Future Medical Expenses and Ongoing Care Considerations

Serious injuries and permanent damage will require long-term medical care. To calculate your future medical costs:

  • Obtain expert medical opinions about your long-term prognosis
  • Calculate the value of future care needs
  • Understand how your serious injuries may affect long-term health
  • Account for potential complications

Once a settlement is accepted, you cannot make changes. Fair compensation must consider your future medical needs.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Before Finalizing the Agreement

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Some companies will take advantage of this stressful situation and offer an unfair settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney will protect your rights by:

  • Reviewing all medical bills and insurance claims
  • Identifying potential lienholders
  • Negotiating medical bill reductions
  • Properly valuing future medical care
  • Advising on the adequacy of offers
  • Explaining how much you might receive after all obligations are paid

Regan Zambri Long is committed to ensuring our clients receive fair compensation that covers current and future medical needs.

Paying medical bills after a settlement can be confusing and overwhelming. Our experienced legal counsel provides personalized guidance to make the process effective and maximize your compensation.

If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, contact Regan Zambri Long today. Our experienced Washington, DC, personal injury attorneys will explain your legal options and work toward the best possible outcome.

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