What is a hospital lien?

A hospital lien is a legal claim that a hospital places on a patient’s settlement or judgment in a personal injury case. This lien allows the hospital to recover all or a portion of the medical expenses it incurred while treating the patient.

A hospital lien is typically placed when a patient cannot pay their medical bills or when the patient’s health insurance does not cover all the costs. In some cases, the lien can exceed the value of the patient’s settlement or judgment, leaving them with little or no compensation.

To protect their rights, patients should work with their attorneys to negotiate the hospital lien. Negotiations typically involve reducing the lien amount or convincing the hospital to accept a lesser amount in exchange for prompt payment.

It is important to note that hospital liens can vary by state, and some states have laws that limit the amount a hospital can claim. Patients should seek legal advice to understand their rights and options when dealing with hospital liens.