What Is a Letter of Protection?

A Letter of Protection (LOP) is a legally binding contract that helps personal injury victims receive necessary medical treatment without paying upfront medical bills. This agreement, issued by a personal injury lawyer, assures a medical provider that their bills will be paid from the injury claim settlement. LOPs are commonly used in personal injury cases where victims lack health insurance or cannot afford immediate medical care.

If you’ve been injured and need medical attention but are worried about medical expenses, a letter of protection can help you get the treatment you need. However, it is crucial to understand how an LOP works and whether it’s the right option for you.

How Does a Letter of Protection Work?

as a guarantee of payment for medical services provided during the course of an injury claim.

The lawyer provides a written agreement to the medical provider, guaranteeing that medical costs will be paid from the settlement of the personal injury claim.
The medical provider agrees to defer payment until the injury claim is resolved.
If the case is won, the medical bills are paid from the settlement. If the case is lost, the injured party is still responsible for paying for the medical treatment received.

When Should You Use a Letter of Protection?

A letter of protection is often used when an injured person needs medical care but cannot afford to pay the medical expenses upfront. Here are some common scenarios where a LOP may be beneficial:

Lack of Health Insurance: If you don’t have health insurance, an LOP can allow you to receive the necessary medical treatment.
High Deductibles or Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even if you have health insurance, the medical expenses may be too high to pay before reaching your deductible.
Delayed Insurance Payouts: If the insurance companies take too long to settle your claim, an LOP can ensure you get the medical care you need without waiting for payment.
Serious Injuries Requiring Extensive Treatment: If you have been injured in a car accident or other type of personal injury, a LOP can provide access to specialists without needing upfront payments.
Medical Providers Refusing to Treat Personal Injury Victims: Some medical providers refuse to see personal injury victims due to uncertainty about who will pay your medical bills and when they will receive payment. In these cases, a LOP may help secure treatment from providers willing to accept this arrangement.

What Types of Medical Treatment Can an LOP Cover?

A letter of protection can cover a variety of medical treatments, depending on the nature of the injury. Common medical services covered under a LOP include:

Emergency medical care following an accident
Surgery and hospital stays
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Chiropractic care
Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs
Specialist visits, including orthopedic doctors and neurologists

While a LOP allows injured individuals to receive necessary medical treatment, not all medical providers accept LOPs due to the risk of non-payment.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Letter of Protection?

There are several advantages to using a letter of protection when dealing with personal injury cases:

Immediate Access to Medical Care: You can obtain necessary medical care without waiting for insurance settlements.
No Upfront Payment Required: A letter of protection can help injured individuals avoid out-of-pocket medical costs.
Better Documentation for Your Injury Claim: Receiving medical treatment through an LOP ensures that your injuries are well-documented, creating detailed medical records that support your claim and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries.
Negotiation Power: Your personal injury attorney can negotiate medical costs after you win your case, potentially lowering the amount owed.

What Are the Risks of Using a Letter of Protection?

While an LOP can provide immediate medical treatment, it is not without risks:

Still Responsible for the Medical Bills: If you lose your case, you are still responsible for the medical bills.
Medical Providers May Refuse Treatment: Some medical providers do not accept LOPs due to payment uncertainty.
Settlement Reduction: Since payment is not guaranteed and may take months or even years, some providers charge higher fees to account for the financial risk.

Can Insurance Companies Reject Medical Bills Under an LOP?

Yes, insurance companies may dispute medical expenses incurred under an LOP. They may claim:

The medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive.
The charges were inflated compared to standard health insurance rates.
The injuries were not related to the personal injury case.

Your Dallas truck accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure the medical bills are covered as part of your settlement.

How Do You Obtain a Letter of Protection?

Obtaining a letter of protection involves working with an experienced personal injury attorney. Here’s how the process typically works:

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: The lawyer evaluates your case and determines if an LOP is appropriate.
Issue a Letter to a Medical Provider: The attorney drafts a letter of protection and sends it to the medical provider.
Medical Provider Agrees to Treatment: If the provider accepts, you receive medical care without immediate payment.
Settlement Covers Medical Bills: Once your case is resolved, your car accident lawyer will send payments directly to medical providers.

How Does a Letter of Protection Affect Your Settlement?

Using a letter of protection can significantly impact your personal injury claim, often in ways that benefit your case and maximize your compensation.

Increases Your Settlement Value

Insurance companies typically only pay for medical treatment once a case is resolved. If you can only afford limited medical care out-of-pocket, your injuries may appear less severe than they actually are. By allowing you to receive comprehensive medical treatment, a LOP can help document the full extent of your injuries, leading to a higher settlement.

Prevents Treatment Gaps

Gaps in treatment can hurt your claim by making it appear as though your injuries weren’t serious or that they were unrelated to the accident. Since a LOP ensures continuous care, it strengthens your personal injury case and provides a clear record of your recovery.

Ensures Strong Medical Documentation

Most medical providers who accept LOPs are familiar with personal injury cases and understand the importance of thorough medical records. This detailed documentation is essential for proving the severity of your injuries to insurance companies and in court.

Potential for Expert Testimony

Many medical professionals who treat patients under a LOP are willing to testify at trial if needed—sometimes at no additional charge—to help support your case without adding to your legal costs.

A letter of protection does more than just cover medical expenses—it helps ensure that your injuries are properly treated, documented, and accounted for in your injury claim, increasing your chances of a successful settlement.

What Happens If You Lose Your Personal Injury Claim?

You are still responsible for the medical bills if your personal injury case is unsuccessful. In such cases, you may have options:

Negotiate with the Medical Provider: Some providers allow payment plans to settle outstanding bills.
Use Health Insurance (If Available): Some providers may bill your health insurance company.
Seek Legal Alternatives: Your personal injury lawyer may explore other ways to cover unpaid medical bills.

Should You Consider Using a Letter of Protection?

Deciding whether to use an LOP can provide much-needed relief but also carries financial risks. Before agreeing to a LOP, consider:

Your ability to pay medical bills if you lose the case
The willingness of medical providers to accept a LOP
The strength of your personal injury case

A letter of protection must be used carefully, and consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to determine if it’s the right option for you.

Secure Your Medical Treatment and Legal Protection Today!

If you’ve been injured in an accident and need medical care but lack health insurance, a letter of protection can help. At Allbee Law Firm, we work closely with medical providers to ensure you get the necessary medical treatment while we fight for your personal injury claim.

📞 Call us today at (972) 848-4848 for a free consultation and find out how we can help you get the medical treatment you need without upfront costs.

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CONTACT INFO

Address

5787 S. Hampton Rd.

Ste. 445

Dallas TX 75232

Phone

(972) 848-4848

Hours

Calls are answered 24/7

Office hours are 8 am – 5 pm

Monday – Friday

Office Location

One West Hills Building

(Near Hampton Road and Marvin

D. Love Freeway / U.S. Highway 67)