About a year ago, one of my client’s was hurt in a car crash near West Valley City, Utah. My client was driving her car near West Valley City when she was struck from behind by another car. Although the damage to her car wasn’t substantial, she did suffer a concussion. My client was taken to the hospital from this car crash. After the hospital, she saw a concussion specialist and also saw a physical therapist. I became involved in her case a short time later.

Once I got involved in her case, it became apparent that there were several hospital liens filed. In Utah, a hospital can file a lien on a settlement for injuries that were caused by a third-party under certain circumstances. What that means is the hospital files documentation in court that they are entitled to a certain amount of the eventual settlement or jury verdict. There are limitations on when and how hospitals can file liens and for that reason it is typically best to consult with an attorney on the liens. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer can often negotiate a satisfactory resolution to these liens.

“How are these liens fair?” You might ask. After all, my client was simply minding her own business while in West Valley City when she was crashed into by another car. I believe the reasoning of the legislature in Utah in having these liens is that the hospitals need to provide emergency care in all situations when an injured person arrives from a car crash. If the person doesn’t have health insurance, the hospital should be entitled to some form of payment. That said, the liens may not be fair, depending on the ultimate outcome of the case.

If you have been hurt in a car crash in West Valley City or West Jordan, please give me a call. I’d love to chat with you and see what I can do to help you with your car crash.