Understanding Florida’s Letter of Protection
After an accident, your medical expenses will likely start piling up before your injury claim gets resolved. A letter of protection may make it possible for you to get treatment now and pay the bills out of a future settlement or trial award. But before signing a letter of protection in Florida, it’s important to understand the implications.
What Is a Letter of Protection in Florida?
A letter of protection (LOP) is an agreement that allows a doctor or treatment facility to provide care while waiting to be paid from a personal injury settlement or verdict.
Instead of billing the person for their medical treatment, the provider agrees to wait for payment. In return, the injured person agrees that their medical bills will be paid from any financial recovery they secure. If there is no eventual settlement or trial award, the person may assume responsibility for paying the bill, depending on the terms of the letter of protection.
However, LOPs must meet certain requirements to be legally enforceable. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you draft this document and protect your rights throughout the process.
When a Letter of Protection Helps After an Accident
A letter of protection can provide vital assistance if you need medical treatment after an accident but lack health insurance or can’t pay for it out of pocket. It can also help close the gap if you have insurance but it doesn’t cover all of the care you need.
For many injury victims, signing a letter of protection gives them a way to keep receiving the treatment they need while their claim is pending. This can make a significant difference when delayed medical care could affect both your physical recovery and the strength of your personal injury case.
What to Consider When Signing an LOP
Before you sign a Florida letter of protection, be sure to ask:
- Who will be paid?
- How much may they be owed?
- Can the charges grow over time?
- What happens if your case is unsuccessful or settles for less than expected?
An LOP can affect how much money you receive at the end of your claim, so read the terms carefully before agreeing.
Talk to a Hollywood Personal Injury Lawyer at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. Before You Sign
Signing a letter of protection in Florida has its advantages and drawbacks. Make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to by reaching out to our Florida personal injury attorneys before you sign.
At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., we have over 50 years of experience supporting injured people and have recovered millions for our deserving clients.* We take pride in providing personalized legal counsel to each and every client, blending ingenious solutions with stellar customer service. As one client wrote about their experience with us:
“Rosen & Ohr were great to work with. Stayed on top of everything from beginning to end. Friendly staff. Would definitely recommend for your legal needs!”
– Lisa Glavey
Contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A. today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Jerrad Ohr focuses on workers’ compensation cases, personal injury claims, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death lawsuits, and medical malpractice cases. Mr. Ohr’s hard work ethic, innovative drive, technical experience, and extensive array of knowledge provide great assets to our firm’s clients.
