If you have been injured in an accident in Texas, you may have heard the term “letter of protection” mentioned by your personal injury lawyer. But what exactly is a letter of protection, and how does it affect your case?
What is a Letter of Protection?
A letter of protection (LOP) is a legal agreement used in personal injury cases to ensure that medical providers are paid for their services. It is a promise from your personal injury lawyer to the medical provider that they will be paid out of the settlement or judgment in your case.
How Does a Letter of Protection Work?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, finding the right help is crucial. That’s where a personal injury lawyer in Houston comes in. They’re your advocate, navigating the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. When you are injured in an accident, you may require medical treatment. However, if you do not have health insurance or the means to pay for your medical bills, a letter of protection can ensure you receive the necessary treatment. With their expertise, they can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone—reach out to a trusted personal injury lawyer Houston today.
Your personal injury lawyer will send a letter of protection to your medical provider, stating that they will be paid for their services once your case is settled or a judgment is reached. This allows you to receive the medical treatment you need without worrying about paying for it upfront.
Once your case is resolved, your lawyer will use a portion of the settlement or judgment to pay the medical provider for their services. This ensures you receive the necessary medical treatment without worrying about the financial burden.
Why is a Letter of Protection Important?
A letter of protection is important for both the injured party and the medical provider. For the injured party, it allows them to receive the necessary medical treatment without worrying about the cost. This is especially important for those who do not have health insurance or the means to pay their medical bills. It is also important for people who can’t see a specialist for months or may need care from an out-of-network doctor.
For the medical provider, a letter of protection ensures that they will be paid for their services. Without a letter of protection, they may hesitate to provide treatment to an injured party who cannot pay for their services upfront.
How Does a Letter of Protection Affect My Personal Injury Case?
A letter of protection does not directly affect the outcome of your personal injury case. It is a way to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment without worrying about the cost.
However, it is important to note that a letter of protection does not guarantee that your medical bills will be paid in full. Your settlement or judgment amount may not be enough to cover all of your medical expenses, and your lawyer will have to negotiate with the medical provider to reach a fair payment amount.
Negotiating with Medical Providers
When negotiating with medical providers, your personal injury lawyer will work to reduce the amount owed to them. This is because the medical provider may have charged more for their services than what is considered reasonable in the industry.
Your lawyer will also negotiate to ensure that the medical provider does not receive more than what they are entitled to under Texas law. This is known as the “collateral source rule,” and it prevents medical providers from receiving double payments for their services.
How a LOP Can Help Me
Here are a few ways a letter of protection can help you after being injured in an accident.
Not having to pay out of pocket for needed medical care.
An LOP can help you by eliminating your need to pay for care or a deductible to get needed medical treatment.
Protecting your credit
If a doctor has a lop, they likely will rely on the attorney’s promise to pay them out of the case and not turn the account over for collections.
Your medical records will be more accessible.
Many folks do not understand the work involved in getting medical records from a medical provider. In Texas, the cost of records is controlled, and the facilities are not in any hurry to produce your records for a personal injury case.
The medical provider may be willing to work with your attorney on lowering the bill.
Because of the relationship with an attorney, many doctors will negotiate the cost if needed.
A doctor may be more willing to testify about your injuries.
Most physicians do not want to get involved in a personal injury case. They do not like testifying, making it difficult for the victim to prove their damages. LOP doctors are often more willing to testify to the cause and nature of your injuries.
Read More: Medical Evidence to Prove a Texas Personal Injury Claim
How to Obtain a Letter of Protection
If you have been injured in an accident and require medical treatment, your personal injury lawyer can help you obtain a letter of protection. They will work with your medical provider to ensure they are willing to accept a letter of protection and that the terms are agreeable to both parties.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas
If you do not already have a Texas personal injury lawyer, it is important to find one experienced in handling cases involving letters of protection. They will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to negotiate with medical providers and ensure your medical bills are paid fairly.
You can find a personal injury lawyer by asking for recommendations from friends and family, searching online, or contacting your local bar association for a referral.
Texas Letter of Protection Summary
A letter of protection is a legal document between a personal injury lawyer and a medical provider used in personal injury cases to ensure that medical providers are paid for their services. It allows injured parties to receive the necessary medical treatment without worrying about the cost and ensures that medical providers are paid for their services.
If you have been injured in an accident in Texas, it is important to understand what a letter of protection is and how it affects your case. By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that your medical bills are paid fairly and that you receive the necessary treatment to recover from your injuries.
Contact the Injury Attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm trusted by Texans for over 35 years. There is no charge for a consultation about your case.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111