What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement

Suffering serious injuries in an accident can be a traumatic experience as the financial burden of the accident can add to the stress and frustration. As your medical bills start to accumulate you might be wondering if your medical expenses will be more than your settlement and if there are any legal options to address this issue. 

At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP, we understand the impact of accidents on your financial and emotional health and the importance of getting the maximum possible settlement. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Long Island can guide you on what to do if your medical expenses surpass your settlement. 

Factors That Can Lead To Medical Bills Surpassing The Settlement Amount

 A primary factor is unforeseen medical needs such as the worsening of the injuries or the discovery of additional injuries. This issue is most common with injuries that require long-term care. The cost of medical treatment can also be very high for some victims. Even with insurance coverage, the victims might have to pay for some of their treatment out of pocket. 

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are often needed for longer than expected. These can add to the overall medical expenses. In addition, the victim might need to continue taking prescription medications for an extended time. 

This is why you must work with an experienced attorney to ensure your demand for compensation matches the expenses you are likely to face in the short and long term. 

Legal Options If Medical Expenses Exceed The Settlement 

Ideally, you want to settle on an amount that covers your medical expenses. If you find yourself in a situation where your expenses exceed the settlement, you must get in touch with an attorney to discuss your legal options. 

It is a good starting point to carefully review the settlement agreement with your attorney to learn if you can pursue additional compensation. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation to cover the extra medical expenses. For example, you may be able to reopen negotiations with the opposing party or your insurance provider. However, if the negotiations fail, then you have to consider filing a lawsuit. You will have to gather evidence to prove that you deserve additional compensation. Keep a record of all your expenses as they can be useful in building a strong case. 

How Can an Attorney Help? 

Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP is a leading personal injury law firm specializing in settlement negotiations. We have a team of experienced Hempstead personal injury attorneys who know how to navigate the complexities of cases, like car accidents, where the medical bills exceed the settlement amount. 

A common mistake is to settle too quickly without a detailed analysis of the expected expenses. The insurance company or the opposing legal team will try different methods to reduce their payout. For example, they could downplay the severity of your injuries, challenge any collected evidence, or purposely delay the settlement process. However, with an attorney on your side, you can avoid the common pitfalls of personal injury cases. 

Our team can guide you on your legal options to recover full and fair compensation for your medical expenses. You can learn more about personal injury law and find out how Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP can assist with settlement negotiations.