Drowning in Medical Bills After a Buffalo Personal Injury? 

How to Stay Afloat While Waiting for a Settlement 

After an accident, medical bills pile up fast, and if you're out of work, the stress can be unbearable. The hospital doesn’t care that you’re waiting for a settlement—they just want their money. And those bills? They keep coming. 

The experienced Buffalo personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how overwhelming this process can be. You shouldn't have to worry about drowning in debt while you're trying to heal.  

Our legal team fights to get Buffalo injury victims the compensation they need, as fast as possible. Whether you need injury claim representation or guidance on negotiating medical liens, we’ve got your back.  

Let one of the most trusted law firms in Buffalo deal with the red tape. 

Drowning in Bills While Waiting for Your Settlement? The Harsh Reality in Buffalo 

Here’s the truth—after an accident, the medical bills are your responsibility, even if someone else was at fault. It’s frustrating, unfair, and stressful. You’re injured and out of work, but hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies don’t wait. 

What You Need to Know: 

• You’re on the Hook for Immediate Payments: Medical providers expect payment now, not when your case settles. In New York, hospitals can send unpaid bills to collections after just 90 days.  
• Debt Collectors Will Come Knocking: Medical debt is a leading cause of financial hardship. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that 58% of debt collections in the U.S. are tied to medical expenses.  
• Stress Can Worsen Your Recovery: Studies show that medical debt is directly linked to anxiety and worsened health outcomes.  

Think Health Insurance Will Save You? Think Again, Buffalo Injury Victims! 

You might assume your health insurance will cover everything. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Here’s why: 

• Coverage Gaps Leave You Paying Thousands: Many plans have caps or exclusions. If you hit your policy limit, the rest comes out of your pocket.  
• High Deductibles & Co-Pays Add Up Fast: The average deductible for employer-provided insurance is $1,669. If you don’t have savings, this can be devastating.  
• Your Claim Might Get Denied: Insurers often reject claims they deem “unnecessary.” In 2023, 19% of insurance claims were denied.  
• They’ll Take Their Cut From Your Settlement: If your insurer pays your bills, they might demand reimbursement from your settlement before you see a dime.  

The Settlement Is in Sight—But Here’s the Ugly Truth About Negotiating Medical Bills 

Finally settled your case? Think you’re in the clear? Not so fast. Medical providers and insurance companies will come after your payout. 

• Medical Liens Can Drain Your Settlement: Hospitals and insurers can file liens against your compensation to get paid first. In New York, they’re legally allowed to take their cut before you even see your money.  
• You Can Fight Back & Negotiate: Many people don’t realize medical bills can be reduced—sometimes by 30-50%!  
• Legal Help Makes a Huge Difference: A skilled Buffalo car accident lawyer can challenge excessive charges and unfair liens, keeping more of your settlement in your pocket.  

Here’s What to Do: 

1. Identify Liens Early: Find out who’s making a claim on your settlement. 
2. Check Every Charge: Medical billing errors are rampant—nearly 80% of bills contain mistakes.  
3. Negotiate Hard: Don’t just accept the amount they demand—fight for a lower balance. 
4. Act Fast: The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest you could rack up. 

Can’t Afford Treatment? Here’s What Buffalo Injury Victims Must Know Now 

Putting off medical care is risky—but what if you just can’t afford it? Here’s how to get treated without going broke: 

• Payment Plans Are an Option: Many hospitals let you spread out costs over time. New York law requires them to offer financial assistance to low-income patients.  
• Doctors Who Work on a Lien Basis: Some providers will treat you now and wait to be paid from your settlement later.  
• Charity Care Programs Can Help: Buffalo hospitals like ECMC and Kaleida Health have programs for uninsured patients.  
• Your Auto Insurance Might Cover It: If you were in a car accident, your car crash legal help could include Personal Injury Protection coverage. New York law requires a minimum of $50,000 in PIP benefits.  

Warning: Medical Liens Are Coming for Your Settlement—Here’s How to Fight Back 

If your settlement is on the way, you need a plan to keep as much of it as possible. Here’s how: 

Understanding Payment Plans With Providers 

Medical providers want to be paid—but they’d rather get something than nothing. That gives you negotiating power. 

• Ask for Lower Monthly Payments: Many providers will work with you if you show financial hardship. 
• Be Aware of Interest Rates: Some payment plans charge interest, which adds up over time. 
• Prioritize Your Debt Wisely: Medical debt won’t hurt your credit as much as other types, but high-interest loans will. 

The Impact of a Settlement Timeline on Your Bills 

Settlements take time—sometimes months or even years. That can leave you in a tough spot financially. 

• Debt Can Snowball While You Wait: If your case drags on, unpaid bills might go to collections. In fact, 41% of adults in the U.S. have medical debt.  
• A Bigger Payout Is Worth the Wait: Insurance companies love to lowball quick settlements. Holding out could mean a much higher payout in the end. 
• Your Lawyer Can Buy You Time: A skilled personal injury law firm can communicate with providers to delay collections until your settlement comes through. 

Seeking Financial Assistance While Waiting for Compensation 

If money is tight, don’t panic—there are options: 

• Medical Financing Companies Exist: Some lenders specialize in covering medical costs while you wait for a settlement. 
• Buffalo Nonprofits Offer Help: Groups like the Western New York Law Center provide legal and financial aid to accident victims.  
• Government Aid May Be an Option: Programs like Medicaid can help bridge the gap.  

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone 

Medical bills shouldn’t add to your suffering after an accident.  

Our team of dedicated Buffalo personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, is here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve without losing it all to medical debt.  

If you’re pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit or need help fighting medical liens, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through your options and help you keep more of your hard-earned settlement. 

Contact our office today to get started with your free consultation.