In personal injury, letters of protection are legally binding agreements that include you, your attorney, and your medical provider.
LOPs help you receive medical treatment without having to pay a large amount right away.
How an LOP Works:
When you are injured in an accident, medical care is essential, but it can cost a lot of money. With an LOP, medical expenses are paid with the settlement amount.
- Your attorney writes a letter to the medical provider that their bills will be paid out of the settlement amount.
- Your provider agrees to provide treatment and receive payment later on.
- Once your case is settled, the medical provider is paid; the rest goes to you.
When is an LOP Used?
An LOP is typically used in the following situations:
- You do not have health insurance, or your insurance does not cover accident-related injuries.
- Your insurance has high deductibles/co-pays that you cannot afford to pay upfront.
Important Risks to Consider:
While an LOP provides access to critical care, it is not a “free ride”:
- You can still be responsible for some bills and costs.
- Because medical care received under an LOP is paid back from the settlement, high medical bills can reduce the money you receive in the end.
Understanding whether an LOP is the right option for your situation usually depends on the strength of your case, the availability of insurance, and the extent of your injuries.
At ESS we help individuals get the treatment they need and the settlement they deserve with as little stress as possible. Personal injury cases can be costly, traumatic, and confusing for many.