MLB Series Part 2 : Can My Client Refuse Medical Treatment?

This is part 2 in a 4 part series about explaining Medical Lien Basics to your client.

Today we continue our series on explaining a medical lien to your client for the first time. I write this from the vantage point of a new marketing rep with Doctors on Liens, who recently shared the perspective of a client learning about medial liens for the first time.

For many clients without the ability to pay for medical treatment through some form of insurance, or even cash, utilizing a medical lien is an important alternative to the question:

Can, or should, my client refuse medical treatment if they don’t want it?

Of course they can. Your clients are never required to do anything they feel uncomfortable doing. But as you know, refusing medical treatment is never a good idea and here’s why: Let’s assume your client has been in a car accident that resulted in superficial cuts and bruises. At minimum they will need a doctor to assess these injuries, not only for their future well-being, but also for record-keeping purposes as their case progresses. And what if their injuries get worse? Well, if they never sought treatment, this could certainly work against them in any future proceedings.

For example, let’s suppose those superficial cuts and bruises result in an infection that then results in your client’s arm being amputated. Had they not sought medical treatment, the responsible party would probably not be liable for anything more than the initial cuts and bruises they caused. But if your client did seek treatment – and if this treatment was recorded throughout the process – the responsible party will be liable for all the resulting damages.

So let’s assume your client rightfully decided to seek medical treatment after their injury. And for them, a medical lien can help them find treatment to aid in their recovery and document their injuries and follow up. Let’s now look at the next logical step in part three of this series.

MLB Series Part 3: How To Find A Doctor Who Works On A Medical Lien?

MLB Series Part 4: What Types Of Treatments Are Available On A Lien Basis?

MLB Series Part 1: What Is A Medical Lien?