One of the most important things for you to do is to keep an accurate record of your medical bills. This is how you do it:
a. Ask for a medical bill each time you see a doctor or facility.
Maintain a record of your visits and make sure that you obtain a medical bill for each visit to your doctor, hospital, physical therapist or medical facility.
b. Save all prescription bills.
Be sure to save copies of your prescriptions and drugstore charges for medicine that you purchase as a result of your injury.
c. Keep a separate chart with dates, amounts of medical bills, and purchases of medication.
Maintain a separate record which has the date of the medical service or purchase of medication, the amount charged, and how the bill was paid (by insurance, your own personal funds, etc.). This requirement is very important because it will be your actual record of medical bills incurred as a result of your injury.
d. Be sure that your lawyer receives a copy of each medical bill, prescription bill, or other bill related to your injury.
It is important for your lawyer to receive copies of all your medical bills as well as a copy of your medical bill summary when your case is ready for settlement. Even though your lawyer may receive copies of bills directly from the medical facilities, a double-check process will assure that your claim settles for the maximum value. If your lawyer does not have a record of all your medical bills, your case may be settled for much less than its actual value.
e. Keep a record of medical bills even if they are processed through a health insurance carrier.
Even if your medical bills are paid by a health insurance company or your employer, you must still maintain copies for yourself and be sure to get copies to your lawyer.
