When your trusted physician acts negligently and commits a serious error when administering your healthcare, you may have to undergo a series of emergency care interventions, corrective procedures, and long-term physical therapy sessions, among other things. All the while, you may take some time away from work until you can rectify your health. This is to say that missed wages and hefty medical bills are an unfair combination of circumstances for something that was not your fault to begin with. Well, with that being said, please follow along to find out who is supposed to pay for your medical bills incurred through a physician’s mistake and how a proficient New York City physician mistake attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C., can fight to ensure this financial hit does not wrongfully burden you.
Who is financially responsible for my medical bills after a physician’s mistake?
Of course, the obvious connection you may make is that since your physician is the one who made the mistake, they should be responsible for paying for your associated medical bills. Well, you must understand that your physician, or the hospital in which they are employed, or the medical group they are a part of, may not necessarily pay for your medical bills out of pocket. Rather, this may be covered through their carried medical malpractice insurance plan.
Further, you should know that their malpractice insurance carrier will not immediately step in and compensate for your medical bills. Unfortunately, a lot of effort may be required on your end to make this possible. This means gathering significant pieces of proof exhibiting your physician’s negligence, the severity of your incurred injuries and damages, and the cost of your subsequent healthcare. If an insurer delays payment, offers an inadequate settlement, or denies the physician’s responsibility altogether, which are all conceivable outcomes, you may attempt to get your medical bills paid for through a medical malpractice claim.
Should I accept a refund instead of pursuing legal action for my medical bills?
Be aware that when you threaten to go after a doctor’s or hospital’s medical malpractice insurance or pursue legal action, the hospital may offer you a refund. Before you are quick to accept this, please know that it likely means that you are waiving your legal rights now and in the future. And also, this refund may only cover the cost of the specific procedure or service in which your physician made a mistake, not necessarily your future medical expenses, like additional surgeries, rehabilitation services, prescription medications, etc. What’s more, it does not consider your other economic and non-economic damages, such as your lost wages, your pain and suffering, and more.
All of this to say, it is in your best interest to consult with your legal representative before agreeing to anything. Your attorney may assess whether you have sufficient evidence of your physician’s negligence to have a strong case before the New York State civil court. Also, they may find a medical expert on your behalf, who may confirm whether there will be long-term health consequences from this mistake, and therefore, if you should pursue further financial compensation for it.
In conclusion, we suggest you employ the services of a talented New York City hospital negligence attorney from Mark L. Bodner, P.C., if you want the best possible chances at a positive legal outcome. We look forward to serving you.