A letter of protection (LOP) is an important tool in personal injury cases that can help individuals access necessary medical treatment without having to pay upfront. Here's a guide on how LOP works:
Definition: An LOP is a legal document that guarantees payment for medical treatment from the settlement or judgment of a personal injury case. Essentially, it allows individuals to receive necessary medical care without the immediate financial burden.
Purpose: The main purpose of LOP is to ensure that accident victims receive the corresponding medical treatment. It allows individuals to seek treatment from healthcare providers who may be hesitant to provide services without immediate payment or insurance coverage.
The LOP provides a sense of security to both the patient and the medical provider, ensuring that the bills will be paid once the case is resolved.
Process: To obtain LOP, the injured party must work with their attorney to draft the document. The LOP is then sent to the medical provider, who agrees to treat the patient and defer billing until the case is settled. Once the case is resolved, the settlement amount or judgment is used to pay the medical bills covered by the LOP.
Considerations: It's important to understand that LOP is not a guarantee of payment. The outcome of the personal injury case can affect the funds available to cover medical expenses.
By understanding the process and purpose of a letter of protection, individuals can navigate the medical treatment process more effectively.
