According to Nevada law, if you are responsible for an accident or injury to another person, whether it’s a car accident, a slip, and fall, or any other situation where you have to take care of the medical expenses resulting from what happened on their premises.
Now, there are two possibilities for paying these expenses.
The first option: you, the responsible party, take out your wallet and directly cover those medical costs.
The second option is attractive: the insurance of the one who caused the disaster can come into play and cover the expenses. The insurance arrives and says, “We’ll take care of it.” That is a more common option, as insurance is often there to cover those who caused the fall or slip.
The law is on your side, stating that the responsible person should cover those expenses. However, in practice, sometimes one needs to fight to ensure the resolution of everything as it should be.
Suppose you find yourself in a situation where you must assert your rights; having a legal team can greatly help. They know the laws, understand how to speak the legal language, and are there to ensure you don’t end up with the medical bill, paying for all the damage on your own.
How does health insurance work in a personal injury case?
Your medical expenses. If you have health insurance, it will take away many headaches. It will cover some of your medical bills, from doctor visits to that surgery you never thought you would need. But it’s not a blank check. Sometimes, you still have to fork out money from your pocket, such as copays and deductibles that no one wants to pay.
Now, the plot thickens with the issue of subrogation. That is like the insurance saying, “We pay your bills, but if you win in court, we want our money back.” It’s like a medical loan with interest.
But that’s not all. Here comes the drama with liens. It’s like health insurance saying, “If you win, we get a piece of that pie too.” They can dip into your income to recover what they paid for your medical care. It’s a claim on a portion of your salary to cover their advanced expenses.
And we must remember negotiations and settlements. Here is where things get juicy. Imagine you’re at a negotiation table with the insurance company, and they say, “Let’s cut that compensation because we’ve already covered your medical expenses.” Here’s where you need a personal injury lawyer, like your legal hero, to ensure you don’t get let down.
So, who pays my medical bills after an accident or injury in Nevada?
If someone else was at fault for the disaster, the responsibility for the medical bills falls on their shoulders. If you’re unlucky enough to encounter someone who doesn’t have insurance or has one that seems more like a joke than a policy, don’t worry; you can seek help from a lawyer to resolve things as quickly as possible and get the compensation you need.
Although responsibility should be clear, insurance companies must often be more creative and active. They can deny responsibility or delay payment, hoping you’ll get tired and accept less than you deserve. But don’t worry. Here is where you come in, armed with knowledge and an experienced lawyer.
Now, your only option is to cover those seemingly never-ending medical bills. You can turn to your Nevada health insurance policy or government programs.
The process of submitting medical bills in Nevada after an injury
In insurance, claims come with a combination of essential documents for the other party’s insurer to provide the money you need. What are these requirements? They would be copies of your medical bills, your doctor’s diagnosis, and some supporting documents like X-rays or MRIs to lend credibility to what you’re claiming as compensation.
Tip 1: Ask your doctor to keep detailed records. Why? Because this speeds up the process and prevents the insurer from playing dumb. Remember that your medical bills are vital. Your doctor must link all the records and documents they request, relating everything to your accident or injury.
Tip 2: Prepare your relevant medical files with an extra touch: go back at least five years. Suppose you’re claiming a spinal injury, for example. In that case, you’ll need all those records from orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, and anyone involved in your medical history for the past five years.
Tip 3: You only need to submit medical records related to the injury you’re claiming. You do not need to include those of your gynecologist unless you claim damages in that area.
Submitting medical bills with the proper documents, along with your doctor and lawyer, will prepare you for success in your claim.
What if I had a pre-existing injury?
Let’s enter the dangerous territory of pre-existing injuries. If you had injuries before the incident, here’s how it works.
In general, if those injuries were already in play before the accident, getting compensation for them can be complicated. It’s like the injuries had an exclusivity contract before the accident took the stage. That’s where the five-year requirement for medical records comes into play: a background check to see what was happening in your body during that time.
But if the pre-existing injury gets worse due to the accident, there is hope for recovery. The accident will give a dramatic twist to the story of that old injury. You can claim compensation for the worsening of the situation.
In simpler terms, if you already had back pain that was acting up before the accident. But then, the crash makes that pain reach maximum levels. In that case, you may claim compensation and deserve reimbursement for the aggravation of the situation.
What if my settlement is not big enough to cover my medical bills?
The responsible insurance company will give you the money they agreed upon. But you wonder whether you should accept crumbs or take the plunge, risking not getting something better or losing in court.
The lawyer specializing in personal injury: They’re not only there to assess the strength of your case and negotiate masterfully, but they can also get your medical providers to reduce those bills.
The truth is, it’s not just about the size of the settlement but how much of that money ends up in your pocket. We want to ensure it covers those medical bills but leaves something for your pain, suffering, and inconveniences.
You can rely on your lawyer
You’re not alone in this financial puzzle game after an accident or injury from a fall or slip in Nevada. With knowledge, patience, and perhaps a lawyer with a flashlight, you can navigate these turbulent waters and come out on top.
In Nevada, the one who creates chaos pays the medical bill. Either directly or through their insurance. But if things get complicated, there’s always someone ready to step in, face them, and fight for what’s fair for you.
Contact Pacific West Injury if you or a loved one need help with a personal injury case today.