Q: If my attorney negotiated my medical bills down but never gave me any proof of documentation, is this agreement binding?
Bill went from 10k to 4k but she never gave me an updated bill or any signed agreement stating the facility agreed to this negotiation. I’m just worried if there is no legal document how do I know that the facility won’t change their mind and I won’t be screwed with the higher bill. Is it protocol for my attorney to provide me proof of the new figure they negotiated?
A: It is very common for a personal injury attorney to negotiate a reduction and no formal document is executed. This situation is particularly true if the attorney and the medical care provider work together frequently. It is certainly best practices for the reduction to be confirmed in writing but, again, in the real world that does not always happen. Unless your attorney is flat out lying to you about securing the reduction (exceptionally unlikely), there is nothing to worry about. The moment the provider cashes the $4,000 check as resolution of your outstanding balance, that provider is estopped from pursing the balance from you (what is known as an accord and satisfaction).
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