How much medical bill compensation should I ask for?

When you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York, you face many challenges ahead. While you want to focus on treating your injuries and getting proper treatment, the cost of your care is going to increase rather quickly.

You may already know that if your car accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you can potentially recover compensation through a personal injury claim.

Whatever amount of compensation you get, it should cover your medical costs. However, you may be confused as to what you can ask for, and how much.

Watch out for medical liens

Good negotiation can help you recover enough in compensation to cover your medical costs, including future treatment. It can also help you avoid having medical liens put on your property or assets, which hospitals or doctors sometimes do to guarantee payment.

When presenting your medical costs, provide figures showing the entire cost of treatment. Do not simply put down your co-payments or deductibles.

Continuing and future treatment

Factor in any continuing medical care you will need. If it is already determined that you will need at least one more year of physical therapy, add in this cost.

Some injuries might require potential future treatment that you already know your insurance will not cover. Include this amount, as well as any amount you may need to pay your bills if you are out of work or lost your job due to the injury.

The insurance company will probably want to see some evidence that you are looking for a job that you are able to do.

Permanent disability

If you are permanently disabled from your injury and expected to not work again, you could ask for a settlement amount for living expenses through your expected natural lifespan. However, be prepared to provide substantial evidence that you can never work again, since proving this can be challenging.

Every accident is unique and therefore so is every accident claim. There are many factors considered when deciding what to ask for and how much. It is best to get advice and help with negotiating your medical bill compensation from a trusted professional.