Understanding Medical Liens and Why You Need a Lawyer

Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities across Massachusetts with trusted, compassionate representation. After an accident, one of the most confusing challenges victims face is dealing with medical bills. Even when another party is clearly at fault, hospitals and providers want payment quickly. That’s where medical liens come into play and why having an experienced attorney is so important.

What Is a Medical Lien?

A medical lien is a legal claim by a healthcare provider or insurer to recover the cost of medical treatment from any settlement or judgment you receive in a personal injury case. In other words, if you win or settle your claim, part of that money must go directly to cover medical expenses.

Medical liens are common in cases involving:

• Car accidents
  
• Truck accidents
  
• Slip and fall injuries
  
• Catastrophic injuries
  
• Medical malpractice
  

Without proper handling, liens can reduce the compensation you ultimately receive.

Who Can Place a Medical Lien in Massachusetts?

Several different parties may file a lien after an accident:

• Hospitals and healthcare providers: Facilities like Massachusetts General Hospital or Boston Medical Center may assert a lien to ensure they are reimbursed.
  
• Health insurance companies: If your insurer covered your treatment, they may seek repayment once you recover damages.
  
• Government programs: Medicare and Medicaid have statutory rights to recover costs.
  
• Workers’ compensation insurers: If your accident happened on the job, the insurer may place a lien for medical benefits they paid.
  

Each type of lien is governed by its own rules and procedures, making professional legal guidance essential.

Why Medical Liens Are Complicated

At first, a lien may sound straightforward: pay back the provider once you receive your settlement. But in practice, these claims can be complex because:

• Lien amounts may be inflated with charges unrelated to your accident.
  
• Multiple liens may apply from different providers or insurers.
  
• Negotiations are possible, but only with skilled legal advocacy.
  
• Failure to satisfy liens can jeopardize your settlement or leave you personally responsible for the debt.
  

How a Lawyer Helps With Medical Liens

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle medical liens as part of our client-first approach. Our attorneys:

• Review liens carefully to ensure only valid charges are included.
  
• Negotiate reductions so that more of your settlement goes directly to you.
  
• Communicate with providers and insurers to resolve disputes.
  
• Protect your legal rights by ensuring all lien laws and deadlines are followed.
  

By managing this process, we help clients focus on recovery while safeguarding their financial future.

Struggling with medical bills after an accident? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.

Example: How Liens Impact Settlements

Imagine you were injured in a collision on the Mass Pike and treated at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The hospital bills $50,000, and your health insurer covers $40,000. Both the hospital and insurer may assert liens. Without negotiation, these liens could consume most of your settlement.

With legal representation, however, those liens can often be reduced significantly, leaving you with far more of your recovery.

Why Medical Liens Matter in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents often face steep medical expenses after serious injuries. Catastrophic accidents can result in long-term treatment at Boston’s top hospitals, leaving victims worried that liens will consume their settlements. Handling these claims correctly can make the difference between struggling financially and having the resources you need to rebuild your life.

At Sweeney Merrigan, we see lien management as part of our mission: helping victims move forward with dignity and security.

You don’t have to face medical lien negotiations alone. Let Sweeney Merrigan fight for your recovery.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other serious incident, chances are you’ll encounter a medical lien during your case. With the right legal team, these liens can be managed, reduced, or even eliminated.

No matter where you are in your recovery, the right support makes all the difference. Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation and take your next step toward justice and financial peace of mind.