If you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas and don’t have health insurance—or can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket for treatment—a Letter of Protection (LOP) can be a lifeline. In a personal injury case, this simple document can make a big difference in your ability to get medical care and build a strong legal claim.
A Letter of Protection is a legal agreement between you, your attorney, and a medical provider. It promises that collection on your medical bills will be deferred until the conclusion of your case. In other words, it allows you to receive treatment now, even if you can’t pay until later.
Your attorney will issue the letter directly to the medical provider. In return, the provider agrees to treat you and wait to be paid, hopefully from your case’s proceeds. This can cover a wide range of care, including physical therapy, imaging (like MRIs), surgery, chiropractic care, and more. It is important to note that a letter of protection is not a non-recourse loan. If you are unable to collect on your personal injury claim, you are still personally liable for the medical services you received.
Without an LOP, many injury victims delay or forgo treatment—especially if they lack insurance, but also because many doctors refuse to treat patients that may be involved in litigation pertaining to their injuries. But delaying care can hurt more than just your recovery—it can weaken your case. Insurance companies are quick to argue that a delay in treatment means your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
With an LOP, you get timely, appropriate care—and it creates a medical paper trail that documents your pain, progress, and treatment needs.
No, not every medical provider will agree to an LOP. In fact, most doctors do not treat patients that were injured in a car wreck if there is the potential for future litigation. But at Westbrook Law, we work with a network of reputable doctors, surgeons, and specialists throughout Texas who routinely accept these arrangements. We can help you find the right providers who understand personal injury cases and are comfortable with this process.
No legal document can guarantee a settlement. However, by allowing you to get treatment and build medical documentation, an LOP strengthens your case. It shows the insurance company—and the jury, if needed—that you took your injuries seriously and got the help you needed.
If you want to understand how a Letter of Protection might help in your specific situation, it’s best to speak with an attorney who has experience navigating personal injury claims and working with medical providers.
Injured and Need Help Covering Medical Care?
The Westbrook Law Firm helps injury victims across Texas get the treatment and compensation they need. If you’ve been hurt and don’t know how to pay for care, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options—and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Copyright © 2024 Westbrook Law. All rights reserved.
