In bustling New York City, slip-and-fall accidents are an unfortunate reality. From icy sidewalks to slippery floors in grocery stores, everyday situations can turn hazardous quickly. For those who experience a slip and fall injury, one question arises almost immediately: Who pays for the medical bills? Read this blog and reach out to a knowledgeable Bronx slip and fall lawyer from our legal team to learn about who may pay your medical bills after an injury.
What Are My Options for Covering Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall?
When you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the immediate concern is the cost of medical care. Hospital visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and medications can add up quickly. Many people may initially use their health insurance to cover these costs, but this option has limitations. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for these expenses, which could relieve your financial burden.
Personal injury claims offer a pathway for victims to seek compensation from the responsible party. If negligence can be proven, the property owner or their insurance provider may cover your medical expenses. It’s essential to understand, however, that proving liability is not always straightforward. The burden of proof falls on the injured party, making it necessary to establish that the property owner failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
Can I Use My Health Insurance While Waiting for a Settlement?
While waiting for a settlement or verdict in a personal injury case, many victims understandably use their health insurance to handle immediate medical bills. Using health insurance can ease financial stress while your case progresses. However, it’s worth noting that if you eventually receive compensation, your health insurance provider may require reimbursement for any payments it made on your behalf. This process is called “subrogation,” where the insurance company seeks repayment from the settlement to cover the medical expenses it initially paid.
Without health insurance, you may be able to work with medical providers who agree to postpone billing until your case concludes. Known as a “medical lien,” this arrangement allows you to receive necessary treatment now, with the understanding that payment will be issued from any settlement or court award. Many personal injury attorneys can help clients arrange these types of agreements, ensuring access to care without immediate financial strain.
When Is a Property Owner Responsible for My Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall Injury?
In New York, a property owner’s responsibility to cover medical bills after a slip-and-fall accident depends on whether negligence can be proven. This means showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and did not take appropriate action to fix it or warn visitors. Examples include unaddressed spills, poorly maintained walkways, or inadequate lighting that creates a tripping hazard. If these conditions are present and can be demonstrated as the cause of your accident, then the property owner or their insurance company may be liable for your medical expenses.
It’s important to note that New York follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are partially responsible for the accident—perhaps you weren’t paying attention or ignored warning signs—the amount you can recover may be reduced. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the fall, any compensation awarded would be reduced by that percentage.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
