If you suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, you may need to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Ambulance bills can be substantial, adding financial stress to an already challenging situation. Our experienced Norfolk premises liability lawyers at Tavss Fletcher are here to provide guidance on your options for paying these bills and seeking compensation if a negligent property or business owner caused your slip and fall.
Who is Responsible for Paying an Ambulance Bill After a Norfolk Slip and Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident, the obligation to pay the ambulance bill typically falls on the negligent property or business owner. If your fall occurred due to hazardous conditions on their premises, they may be legally obligated to reimburse you for the costs associated with your injuries, including ambulance transportation.
However, you most likely will not receive this payment directly from the property owner. Their insurance company would pay it in the settlement of your claim.
Can You Wait to Pay an Ambulance Bill Until Your Claim Is Over?
Settling your slip and fall accident claim could take a long time. While you can technically wait until your claim is resolved to pay the ambulance bill, it is essential to recognize that the ambulance service provider is not obligated to wait to be paid. If you delay payment, you risk having your account referred to a collection agency, and in some cases, you could even be sued for non-payment.
To avoid these consequences, consider the following options for paying the ambulance bill while your claim is ongoing:
Health Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance, it may cover ambulance transportation costs. Contact your insurance provider to find out whether the bill can be submitted to them. Keep in mind that you may need to pay a deductible or co-pay, but this can alleviate immediate financial strain.
Payment Plan
Reach out to the ambulance service provider to discuss the possibility of setting up a reasonable payment plan. They may be willing to work with you on a schedule that fits your financial situation.
Medical Lien
Some medical providers, including ambulance services, might agree to place a lien on your potential settlement and wait to receive payment from the settlement proceeds rather than demanding immediate payment.