There’s been an accident. This is unfortunate in itself, but now you are getting contacted by all sorts of people, including doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, or even government agencies. There may be talk of liens, a term you might not be familiar with.

What is a lien?

Liens are legal rights that correspond directly to something, such as a mortgage on your house or a bank loan on your car. After an accident, various organizations or entities often will try to get paid by filing a lien on your case. There are many types of liens—which can complicate a personal injury case—and different rules for how to deal with them.

Government liens

In general, if the government paid for any of your medical care (think Medicare or Medicaid), they need to be paid back. Agencies have different rules when it comes to lien repayment and the process can be complex, especially with Medicare.

Insurance liens

Insurance companies—health, home, auto, and others—also want to get paid out of your settlement. Again, there are different sets of rules that might apply. Oftentimes, you can negotiate the amount using leverage from particular statutes or the facts of your case.

Hospital liens

Liens for hospital bills get their own set of rules, and to be valid, the hospital must follow specific guidelines. There are also financial caps, which hospitals are required to comply with. The bottom line? Dealing with liens can be tricky and frustrating. The good news? Experienced attorneys can often find ways to reduce or even eliminate a lien. Be sure you have the right team in your corner to navigate these often confusing waters. Contact Kyle Cray at 765-742-9066 to negotiate your best settlement. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.