
When someone suffers a personal injury, or they are injured due to an accident or negligence, they may file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation. However, lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve, leaving victims struggling with medical expenses while they wait. Among the available options to get immediate medical treatment is by applying for a Letter of Protection (LOP). This guarantees that you will pay the medical provider out of your potential lawsuit settlement. Let’s explore what LOP means, how it works, who qualifies for one, and how to obtain a Letter of Protection.
What is a Letter of Protection (LOP)?
A Letter of Protection (LOP) is a legal document provided by an attorney that guarantees payment for medical treatment once the lawsuit is settled. It allows injured claimants to receive necessary healthcare without paying upfront. This also ensures that the victim or plaintiff gets the medical treatment and care they need while waiting for their financial compensation.
How a Letter of Protection Works
When someone is injured in an accident, medical bills can add up quickly. Many healthcare providers require immediate payment, but not all injured victims have the financial means to cover these costs. A Letter of Protection solves this problem by ensuring that medical professionals receive their payment from the lawsuit settlement once the case concludes. Here’s how it works:
- The injured claimant’s attorney provides a LOP to healthcare providers. This is to assure them that payment will be made after the case settles.
- The medical providers agree to treat the claimant without requiring upfront payment.
- Once the lawsuit is resolved, the settlement funds are used to pay medical bills, ensuring that providers receive compensation for their services.
A LOP helps claimants focus on recovery without worrying about immediate medical costs. It is widely used in personal injury, auto accidents, and other civil cases where victims need medical attention but are waiting for a settlement.
Who Qualifies for a Letter of Protection?
Not everyone qualifies for a LOP. Generally, claimants must meet certain requirements to be eligible:
- Personal Injury Victims – Individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence can obtain a LOP to cover their medical expenses.
- Auto Accident Claimants – If you were injured in a car accident and have an ongoing lawsuit, a LOP can help you receive treatment without paying upfront.
- Those with Pending Lawsuits – Claimants involved in legal cases where compensation is expected but has not been received yet may qualify for a LOP.
- Individuals Who Need Immediate Medical Treatment – If a doctor requires payment before treating you, but you’re waiting for a settlement, a LOP may be a solution.
Since a LOP is issued by an attorney, claimants need legal representation to obtain one.
Benefits of Using a Letter of Protection
A LOP offers several advantages to claimants waiting for their lawsuit settlement:
Access to Medical Care without Upfront Costs: By using a LOP, the healthcare provider will agree to treat you even if you don’t have immediate funds.
Financial Relief during Litigation: Claimants avoid paying large medical bills while waiting for their settlement.
Stronger Lawsuit Claims: Receiving proper treatment ensures that you have medical records to support your lawsuit and maximize your financial compensation.
No Financial Burden until Settlement Arrives: Unlike traditional payment plans, a LOP ensures that medical expenses are covered from the final lawsuit payout. Therefore, you don’t have to stress about bills while recovering.
How to Obtain a Letter of Protection (LOP)
In order to secure a Letter of Protection, you must work with your attorney. Your legal counsel will help coordinate the process and ensure everything is handled correctly. Here’s how the process works:
Consult with Your Lawyer
Discuss your situation with your attorney and explain your need for medical care without upfront costs. Your lawyer will assess the strength of your case and determine whether a LOP is suitable for you.
Determine Medical Providers Who Accept LOPs
Not all healthcare providers accept LOPs, so your attorney will connect you with doctors who are willing to treat you under this agreement. Also, you should find reputable medical providers who have experience working with LOP patients and know the repayment process.
Your Attorney Issues the LOP
Once a medical provider agrees to the arrangement, your lawyer sends the Letter of Protection. This will help ensure medical payments after the lawsuit is settled. This document ensures that your medical treatment continues uninterrupted, even though you don’t need to make immediate payment.
Receive Medical Treatment
With the LOP in place, you can receive necessary medical care, knowing that payment will be handled once your case concludes. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the stress of upfront medical expenses.
Repayment after Settlement
Once your lawsuit settles and you receive your compensation, your attorney will pay the medical provider directly from the settlement funds. Any remaining settlement money will then be distributed to you, and this will complete the process.
Can You Get a Lawsuit Loan While Waiting for a LOP?
While a LOP ensures medical expenses are covered, it doesn’t help claimants with rent, groceries, or other financial needs. Additionally, some claimants struggle to get a LOP approved quickly. This might leave them without financial help during the lawsuit.
Fortunately, lawsuit loans can provide immediate financial relief while claimants wait for their LOP approval or lawsuit settlement. Pre-settlement funding allows plaintiffs to access part of their expected payout early. This ensures that you are able to cover essential expenses without financial stress.
If your case is taking time to qualify for a LOP or your medical providers aren’t accepting it, a lawsuit loan ensures you have cash available to pay for medical expenses and stay financially stable while your case is ongoing.
Need Financial Support to Cover Medical Bills and Living Expenses? Call High Rise Financial Today
If you’re facing financial hardship while waiting for your lawsuit settlement or LOP approval, you may need to apply for legal funding. Contact us at High Rise Financial today to schedule a simple consultation. We are committed to offering immediate settlement cash advances to personal injury, accident victims, and other claimants with ongoing civil lawsuits. Call our toll-free number at (866) 407-6404 to apply.