What is a letter of protection? What is a doctor's lien?

A letter of protection (LOP) is also referred to as a medical or doctor’s lien. This document is drafted by an attorney for an injured client and sent to the medical professional who treated the client. The letter of protection is a contract, assuring the doctor that they are to receive payment when the client’s personal injury case is settled or goes to trial and wins a jury award. If a settlement or trial award is reached, the attorney is obligated to pay the doctor’s medical costs from the funds.

If a plaintiff’s lawsuit is not settled and there is no recovery, the injured client is obligated to pay the doctor’s bill. The doctor also has the right to claim for the total costs of a bill.

The doctor may opt to provide treatment knowing they may not be paid right away. To ensure they receive reimbursement, they may accept a LOP in place of immediate payment. Some physicians ask you to sign a version they created of a LOP. It would give the doctor and absolute right to payment against your personal injury lawsuit. Do not sign this right away. Speak to your attorney at Placidi, Parini, Grasinger & Page. In some instances, the lawyer representing you may have a LOP that they prefer to use.

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