When you’re injured in an accident, the cost of medical treatment can quickly become overwhelming. If you don’t have health insurance or are waiting for a settlement, paying for necessary treatment may seem impossible. A Letter of Protection (LOP) can provide the financial assistance you need while your personal injury case is ongoing. This article explains what an LOP is, how it works, and how it can benefit your personal injury claim.
What Is a Letter of Protection?
A Letter of Protection is a legal document that promises medical providers payment for services once a personal injury claim is settled. Essentially, it allows an injured party to receive medical care even if they can’t pay for it upfront. Medical providers agree to treat the patient and wait for compensation until after the personal injury case is resolved, either through settlement or trial.
How a Letter of Protection Works
Here’s how the LOP process typically works:
- Issuance of the Letter: After an accident, your personal injury attorney can issue an LOP to your healthcare providers. The LOP serves as a promise that medical bills will be paid out of the settlement or verdict from your personal injury claim.
- Ongoing Treatment: Once the LOP is accepted by the healthcare provider, you can receive the medical treatment necessary for your injuries. This could include surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care, even if you can’t afford to pay for it upfront.
- Payment After Settlement: When your personal injury claim is resolved, your attorney will pay the medical provider directly from the settlement proceeds. The LOP ensures that the medical provider is compensated for their services.
Benefits of a Letter of Protection
An LOP offers several important benefits for personal injury claimants:
- Access to Medical Treatment: Without an LOP, some injury victims may be unable to afford necessary care, which could affect their recovery and the strength of their personal injury claim.
- Improves Your Claim: Timely and consistent medical treatment can help strengthen your personal injury case. Medical records from treatments under the LOP can serve as evidence of the severity of your injuries and the necessary medical costs.
- Avoids Collections: The LOP protects you from being sent to collections while your case is pending. Medical providers agree not to pursue payment until the case is settled.
Potential Drawbacks of a Letter of Protection
While an LOP can be extremely beneficial, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Limited Provider Acceptance: Not all healthcare providers accept LOPs, so you may have to seek treatment from specific providers who are willing to wait for payment.
- Payment Risk: If your personal injury claim is unsuccessful, you will still be responsible for paying the medical provider. This can create financial strain if the settlement is lower than expected or if the case is lost.
A Letter of Protection can be a lifeline for personal injury victims who need medical care but are unable to pay for it immediately. By working with an experienced attorney, you can secure the treatment you need while pursuing compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident and are struggling to afford medical bills, talk to your attorney about obtaining a Letter of Protection to safeguard your health and your claim.