Getting into an accident can be really frustrating and really stressful. This is especially true if you are seriously injured. No one is ever really prepared to spend an exorbitant amount of money on medical bills. Of course not, that is why we have insurance for these situations. But in these situations, it is imperative to know who exactly is paying for your medical bills and how much of those bills will be covered.
People generally get confused in New York because we naturally assume that if someone else injured us in a car accident, it would be their insurance that would pay for our medical bills. But this isn’t the case. New York is a no-fault state, so regardless of who is at fault in the accident, it is your car insurance that is paying for your medical bills. If you suffered injuries in a car accident in New York State, the first $50,000 of medical bills will be paid for by your No-Fault Insurance. Any remaining medical bills will be covered by your Supplemental No-Fault Insurance, if you purchased it, or your private health insurance. But what if your medical expenses exceed what is covered by your insurance? Ultimately, the at fault party is responsible for any medical bills that are not paid by your insurance companies.
A work related injury can also cause some confusion. Primarily if you were injured while working, your employer’s Workers Compensation Insurance will pay all of your medical bills. But sometimes it goes beyond Workers Comp. For example, if you are injured in a car accident while you were working, your No-Fault Insurance will also cover some of your bills. However, the Workers Comp insurance remains the primary insurance.
Worker’s Compensation however, will not cover financial losses such as pain and suffering. Additionally, if you believe your injury was caused by a party other than your employer or co-workers, it may actually be a personal injury claim. The personal injury claim is separate from your employer, and directed towards a negligent third party. In these instances, it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
There are various ways to get your medical bills paid for if your injury was not the result of a motor vehicle accident or a work accident. First, if you were injured on someone’s property, there may be insurance through the property owner’s policy. Secondarily, you may be able to use your private health insurance. Again, ultimately the at-fault party is responsible for any medical bills not covered by insurance.
Getting medical bills paid can often be a complicated and frustrating process. Really, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how to make sure you get the full compensation resulting from your injury.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.