Helping Bring You Peace of Mind
Is it OK to discuss my case with family and friends?
It is important not talk to anyone outside of your family about your case, unless your attorney from Frenkel & Frenkel is present. If you get a phone call about your case, ask for identification and notify us. Do not talk to any insurance company, and notify us if your insurance company calls you. Also do not talk to any type of agent, attorney or investigator without first notifying us.
What is the most important thing for me to do after my injury?
See your doctor as soon as possible and follow his or her orders. You should:
- Stay in touch with your doctor regularly to maintain appointments. If you have to cancel, notify your doctor with as much notice as possible. The words “no show” on a doctor’s record sheet can be used against you at the time of a settlement or trial.
- Attend physical therapy sessions as prescribed to facilitate recovery from your injury and participate actively in the process. Physical therapy is helpful in many types of injuries including strains, sprains and other soft-tissue injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s orders on medications, physical therapy, exercises or limitations of activities. Failure to follow your doctor’s advice can be used against you when it’s time to settle or litigate your case.
- Keep accurate records of time missed from work due to your accident.
How do I pay my medical bills?
One of our attorneys will discuss your medical bills in detail and how you can make payments. If there is no insurance coverage, you and your Frenkel & Frenkel lawyer will hold bills to be paid at a later date if you obtain compensation on your claim—whether it’s through settlement or a verdict at trial. Depending on the nature of your case, your medical bills may be covered in any of the following ways:
- Health insurance from your employment benefits package
- Health insurance that you may have paid for personally
- Health insurance obtained by your spouse for your benefit or by your parents if you are under age and living with parents.
- Personal injury protection or medical payments insurance coverage from your automobile policy if you were driving your vehicle and involved in an accident.
- Personal funds if you were not insured and are able to pay medical bills as they are incurred.
- Workers’ compensation insurance if your injury occurred while you were on the job.
- Helping clients receive top-quality medical treatment even if they lack health insurance
Will the doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities wait for payment if I am unable to pay my bills?
In most cases where there is no immediate method to pay medical bills as they are incurred, doctors, hospitals and facilities will wait to be paid for their services until the case is resolved by way of settlement or verdict in court. It is important to let medical providers know early in the process if you have no insurance or financial means to pay medical bills as they are incurred. Have any medical providers contact your Frenkel & Frenkel attorney.
How does Frenkel & Frenkel make sure that the doctors and medical facilities get paid?
Most lawyers have a policy of withholding money from the settlement or court verdict to pay doctors and medical facilities. It is important that you make your lawyer aware of all medical providers.
Why won’t the insurance company for the person or company who caused my injuries automatically pay my medical bills?
Most insurance companies for the person, people or company that caused your injuries will not automatically pay medical bills as they occur. The insured party does not want to expend a substantial sum of money on medical bills and then be faced with the chance of defending a lawsuit. Most insurance companies want to conclude or settle the claim with a single payment after receiving a demand letter from your attorney.
How do I keep track of my bills?
One of the most important things for you to do is to keep an accurate record of your medical bills.
- Be sure that your lawyer receives a copy of all of your medical bills as well as a summary for each when the case is ready for settlement. Even though your lawyer may receive copies of bills directly from the medical facilities, this double-check process will help ensure that your claim settles for the maximum value. If your lawyer does not have a record of all of your medical bills, your case may be settled for less than its actual value.
- Keep a record of medical bills even if they are processed through a health insurance carrier. Even if a health insurance company or your employer pays your medical bills, you must still maintain copies.
