Legal Jargon: Attorney talks medical bills after car crashes

After a serious crash, especially one involving a semi-truck, medical bills can be one of the biggest worries for injured people as an investigation plays out and liability is still being determined. Attorney Daniela Labinoti said people should not delay getting checked out because they are afraid of the cost of an ambulance ride, an emergency room visit or follow-up care. She said that if someone feels injured after a crash, they should go to an emergency room in El Paso County, whether that is University Medical Center, another private hospital, or even a hospital in Las Cruces. An ER has to see you,” Labinoti said. “They cannot deny treatment. That is the law. Labinoti said patients may still be billed, but urged people not to skip treatment. She said medical care also creates documentation that can be important later, particularly when insurance companies dispute the seriousness of injuries. “It’s very important to document your injuries,” she said, adding that some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Labinoti described a personal example in which she said she had a bad wrist injury and did not realize it until “two, three days later” when she noticed bruising. As for paying medical bills while a case is ongoing, Labinoti said health insurance can help, as can personal injury protection coverage through auto insurance. She also said some personal injury law firms work with networks of medical providers who delay payment until a case is resolved. Labinoti said her firm works with “qualified doctors, orthopedic doctors, neurosurgeons, therapists, MRI facilities” and other providers, including facilities that treat traumatic brain injuries, to help victims get treatment without delaying care because of cost. She said it is important for crash victims to focus on their health, seek treatment and consider working with a personal injury law firm that has relationships with providers who can continue care while a case is pending. RECOMMENDED: Medical Myth Busters: Busting Metabolism myths Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.