Get Medical Care On Credit - The "Lien"

After an accident some people find that they need treatment for their injuries, but they do not have medical insurance or money to pay for the treatment. This is a tough situation, especially if the need is for restorative dentistry after an accident has knocked out a person's front teeth.

If the injuries were caused by an accident that was the fault of another person who has insurance, such as car insurance, or homeowner's insurance, the injured person may have a valid claim for damages. These types of claims usually take quite a bit of time to resolve, and could take between one and three years before a final settlement can be reached. The insurance company that settles the case makes one payment to settle the claim, and this is done at the time of settlement. One can see how this does not help the poor injury victim that needs medical or dental treatment immediately after a bad accident.

The process for getting the needed treatment on credit

If the injured person has a lawyer representing him or her, there is a good chance that the medical provider, such as a chiropractor, doctor or dentist will wait to be paid from the settlement if there is adequate security for the debt. What that means is the doctor will wait to get paid for the treatments until the case settles, even if it takes a couple of years. The security for the doctor is the written promise of the patient which is also signed by the patient's attorney, promising to make direct payment to the doctor from the lawyer's office at the time of the settlement.

Not all doctors accept liens, however. Many medical doctors and hospitals require payment and will institute collection proceedings if payment arrangements are not made.

Using an experienced personal injury lawyer makes a difference

An experienced personal injury lawyer usually has the ability to secure a lien for the client from medical providers. The lawyer reassures the medical provider that there will be full payment at the end of the case and that the doctor has relax and be sure of receiving payment directly from the trust account of the lawyer which is where the settlement is deposited before it is distributed to the client.

For the injured victim that needs medical or dental care and who has no insurance or ability to pay for care, having a personal injury attorney with a solid reputation can make a big difference in getting the needed treatment on credit.

Ask the treating doctor or dentist if he or she will accept a lien from a good law firm. The doctor will not extend credit such as this on the bare promise of the patient. It is the additional security of having the law firm behind the bill that makes a difference to the medical provider.