After a serious accident, many injury victims hesitate to get medical treatment because they are worried about the cost. This is especially common when someone does not have health insurance, has gaps in coverage, or cannot afford deductibles or co-pays.
In situations like these, an accident lawyer may be able to help clients access necessary medical care through a Letter of Protection (often called an “LOP”). This document plays an important role in certain injury claims by ensuring victims receive timely treatment while their case is still being resolved.
At Schmidt Kramer, we regularly work with injury victims who are unsure how to pay for the care they need. Understanding how a Letter of Protection works can help you make informed decisions about your recovery.
What Is a Letter of Protection?
A Letter of Protection is a written agreement between:
- an injured accident victim,
- the victim’s attorney, and
- a medical provider.
The letter guarantees that the provider will be paid out of the final settlement or court award once the injury claim concludes.
In exchange, the provider agrees to delay billing or collection efforts while the legal case is ongoing.
Put simply – an LOP allows an injured person to receive medical treatment now and pay later, once their claim is resolved.
When Is a Letter of Protection Used?
LOPs are most commonly used when:
- the patient does not have health insurance,
- the patient’s insurance does not cover all necessary treatment,
- the provider does not accept the patient’s insurance,
- treatment is specialized or expensive,
- the patient cannot afford deductibles or co-pays, or
- medical care is needed quickly to document injuries after a crash.
LOPs help keep treatment moving forward even when insurance or financial issues threaten to delay care.
Who Does a Letter of Protection Help?
1. Injured Victims
A Letter of Protection helps injury victims by:
- ensuring access to timely medical treatment,
- preventing interruptions in care,
- giving victims time to focus on healing,
- allowing proper documentation of injuries, which strengthens the claim.
For many people, an LOP is the only reason they are able to see specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, chiropractors, or physical therapists.
2. Medical Providers
Providers benefit because:
- they receive a legal assurance that payment will come from the client’s injury settlement,
- the attorney manages communication and payment logistics,
- they avoid the risk of treating a patient who cannot pay out-of-pocket.
Many local providers in Pennsylvania are familiar with LOPs and are willing to work with law firms that have a strong history of resolving cases—such as Schmidt Kramer.
3. Attorneys Handling the Claim
Attorneys benefit from an LOP because:
- it helps ensure the client receives appropriate medical documentation,
- ongoing medical treatment strengthens the value of the claim,
- the attorney can negotiate medical liens as part of settlement.
Without documented, consistent medical care, insurance companies often undervalue or deny claims entirely.
Are Letters of Protection Allowed in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Letters of Protection are a commonly used tool in Pennsylvania personal injury practice.
However, it is important to know:
- An LOP is not the same as health insurance.
- It does not guarantee a specific medical outcome.
- It does not force a provider to treat someone—they must agree to the arrangement.
The victim is ultimately responsible for the bill if the claim does not settle or if compensation does not cover the full balance.
This is why choosing a qualified attorney and experienced medical providers is essential.
Do LOPs Affect the Value of My Injury Claim?
Indirectly, yes.
An LOP does not increase your damages or guarantee a higher settlement, but proper medical treatment:
- helps clearly document injuries,
- proves the severity and duration of symptoms,
- connects medical findings to the accident,
- prevents insurance companies from arguing that treatment was delayed or unnecessary.
Insurance adjusters routinely use gaps in treatment as grounds for denying or minimizing claims. LOPs help prevent those gaps.
Are There Risks or Downsides?
Most LOPs are straightforward, but there are risks:
- If the case settles for less than expected, the victim may owe the balance.
- If the claim is lost, the victim remains responsible for the bills.
- Some providers may charge higher rates because they are waiting for payment.
An attorney should explain these details before arranging any LOP.
How Schmidt Kramer Helps Clients Using Letters of Protection
At Schmidt Kramer, our attorneys work closely with reputable medical providers and take the time to review the terms of any Letter of Protection with each client. We ensure that all treatment is medically necessary, properly documented, and aligned with the needs of the case. Throughout the claim, we communicate directly with providers in an effort to prevent clients from becoming overwhelmed with billing or paperwork, and when the case resolves, we may negotiate medical liens to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Our goal is to ensure every client receives the care they need while we pursue full and fair compensation on their behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Letters of Protection
1. Will a Letter of Protection delay my case?
No. In fact, receiving consistent treatment may help to speed up the settlement process by providing clearer medical documentation.
2. Do all doctors accept Letters of Protection?
No. Some providers do not treat patients on LOPs. Your attorney can help you find medical professionals who do.
3. What happens if my settlement does not cover the full bill?
You are still responsible for the balance, but your attorney may negotiate with the provider to reduce the amount owed.
4. Can insurance companies use a Letter of Protection against me?
Sometimes insurers try to argue that LOP treatment is biased. Experienced attorneys counter this by providing clear, objective medical documentation.
5. Is a Letter of Protection better than using my health insurance?
Health insurance is usually the preferred first option. An LOP is typically used when insurance is unavailable or inadequate.
Need Help Understanding Letters of Protection? Contact Schmidt Kramer.
If you are injured and unsure how to access medical care, the attorneys at Schmidt Kramer can explain your options and help you secure the treatment and compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations, and there are no upfront fees – you only pay if we recover compensation for you.