In the aftermath of an accident, you expect medical bills resulting from the immediate care you received after the accident, such as bills for the cost of ambulance service, hospital stays, medication and surgeries needed. However, the bills don’t always stop there. If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, whether it's a car accident, workplace accident or other type of event, you may have several types of unexpected medical bills. You should consider these costs before ever accepting an insurance settlement and fully understand your rights.
What Are Unexpected Medical Bills After An Accident?
Unexpected medical bills can occur when the full extent of injuries and treatment aren’t known. Many people consider the direct medical bills but don’t consider the cost of long term therapies and other medical necessities for ongoing rehabilitation.
Rehabilitative Therapies
If you suffer a serious injury, you may need one of more rehabilitative therapies, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy. Physical therapy will help regain range of movement within your body. Occupational therapy focuses on daily living skills to maximize well-being and, in some cases, retrain your body and learn new skills.
At Home Care
In cases of serious injury, you or your loved one may be able to leave the hospital but still require at-home care from visiting nurses, home health aides and other professionals who can assist with daily living.
Medical Devices
In some cases, you may need crutches, a walker or a wheelchair after your accident. In cases of serious injury, you may need a hospital bed for your home or other medical equipment or devices.
Home Modifications
In some cases, many families will need to create an accessible home environment with ramps, lowered sinks and toilets, safety bars and wheelchair access in bathtubs/showers as well as acquire an accessible vehicle and an aide to drive the victim to doctor’s appointments and errands.
What Can You Do About Unexpected Medical Bills After an Accident?
Don’t settle your accident claim too quickly. No matter what an insurance adjuster may say, you have a right to reject a settlement offer from the insurance company. Accepting an offer will require you to give you important rights, including the ability to file a lawsuit for your injuries. That is why it is so important to understand the full value of your claim and to know that you can and should reject any offer that doesn’t fairly compensate you for your losses.
Beyond medical expenses, the loss of future earnings may present a significant economic challenge for the victim and family. If an injury victim cannot return to work permanently or for a period of time, that loss of future wages could be part of the financial compensation the victim recovers from the responsible party in a claim.
Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney, Can Turn Your Setback into a Comeback
We understand the trauma that you and your family may be going through after a serious accident. We also know the importance of your case and its outcome. In addition to the passion and client-care we bring to every case, we will interact with insurance companies on your behalf as well as compile and review witness statements, medical reports, and other health care provider information to show the extent of your injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation. One of our trusted team members will listen to your story, learn about your case, and can advise you next steps. Many of our clients feel a sense of relief once they make that first phone call. Don’t go it alone. Let us help you turn your setback into a comeback.