However, the stars did not seem to align in your favour, and it seems that you have lost your case. Read on to find out what you can do if this happens to you.
Dealing With Healthcare Providers
You need to see to your injuries immediately after the accident and start treatment to recover your health. You might have spoken with your doctors and told them about your intention to file a claim. However, when you asked them to allow you to delay payment until after you have received your settlement, you had to sign an agreement in which you acknowledged the debt and agreed to pay it regardless of the outcome of your case.
What happens if you lose your case?
After you have been told that the verdict went against you, your attorney may request a new trial. Or perhaps you can reach a settlement that will pay for all or a portion of your medical bills, but this may be quite unlikely.
Through a new trial, your attorney might have an opportunity to point out errors in the evidence that was presented or in a ruling made by the judge, with the hope that this time the decision will be in your favour. Should the new trial be denied, your attorney can appeal this decision.
Strategies You Can Use to Pay Your Bills
After losing your case, you may still file a claim with your car insurance if the accident took place while you were in the car. This may help pay your bills to the limits established by the policy. It may also be possible to file a claim with your health insurance.
In cases where there is no insurance, your other option may be to use a credit card or pay in cash. Talk to your healthcare providers and ask them to allow you to create a payment plan if you cannot take care of your bills in one payment. Explain your situation and ask if there are any discounts available.
Consider Bankruptcy
You may find that there are truly no viable options available to you to pay your bills. If that is your case, you may have no other option but to file for bankruptcy. Depending on the assets you have, you may decide on a Chapter 7 filing. This allows you to liquidate any assets you have and use the funds obtained to pay your creditors and discharge any remaining balance.
If you do not qualify for a Chapter 7 filing, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing will allow for the reorganisation of your debt and the possibility of paying off your debt over a period of either 3 to 5 years. During this time, you can support yourself and get back on track. If you still owe any money for medical bills after this period, the debts might be discharged if there is any remaining balance.
Get Pre-Settlement Funding
If you are reading this to gather information prior to filing, you should also consider pre-settlement funding. This option provides you with funds to cover your ongoing expenses, and you are not obligated to pay it back if you lose your case. This is because you are not getting a loan from a bank that requires collateral and must be repaid according to specified terms. Pre-settlement funding companies actually purchase a portion of your expected settlement or monies awarded by the court. As such, there is nothing to pay back should you not end up winning your case. Remember that once you file your claim, it can take months or even years to resolve.
