If I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment, Can I Still Pursue a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. Not being able to afford medical treatment does not prevent you from filing or pursuing a personal injury claim. This is a common concern for many accident victims, especially since the cost of medical care can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are options available that allow injured people to receive treatment without paying out-of-pocket while their case is pending.
In Texas and many other states, accident victims often receive care through a Letter of Protection (LOP). A Letter of Protection is an agreement between your attorney and a medical provider. Under this arrangement, the provider agrees to treat you immediately and postpone payment until your case is resolved. Instead of billing you directly, the provider places a lien on your case, meaning their bills will be paid out of your settlement or verdict.
This process provides a crucial benefit for clients who cannot afford treatment on their own. With a Letter of Protection, you can still see doctors, get diagnostic testing, undergo physical therapy, or even receive surgery if necessary—all without paying upfront. This ensures your health and recovery are not put on hold just because of financial hardship.
It is important to understand, however, that medical providers take on risk when treating under a Letter of Protection. If your case does not result in a recovery, they may pursue you directly for payment. For this reason, many providers will only agree to an LOP if you are represented by an attorney who can ensure the agreement is properly documented and that their bills are included in your claim for damages.
An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this process by:
Explaining how Letters of Protection work and whether they are right for your case.
Connecting you with providers who will accept treatment under an LOP.
Making sure your medical bills are properly recorded as part of your damages.
Protecting you from unfair billing or collection issues while your claim is ongoing.
At The Kaufman Law Firm, we know that financial struggles should never keep you from getting the medical care you need after an accident. We regularly help clients who cannot afford treatment by arranging care under a Letter of Protection and fighting to ensure those costs are fully covered in the settlement. Our goal is to make sure you get both the treatment and the compensation you deserve.
