How treatment on a medical lien works in California
A medical lien (or letter of protection, "LOP") is a written agreement: the provider treats you now and is paid later, out of your settlement or award. It is common in California after car crashes, falls and work injuries, when insurance has not paid yet.
Who uses it
- People hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accidents.
- People hurt on someone else's property (slip and fall).
- Workers with workers' comp claims, where the provider files a lien with the WCAB.
What to know before you sign
- You still owe the bill. A lien only delays payment; if the case does not resolve in your favor, the provider can bill you.
- Get the rates in writing. Lien rates can be higher than insurance rates.
- Ask whether the provider may sell the lien to a funding company.
- If you have a lawyer, tell them before you start; the lawyer usually signs the letter of protection and negotiates the bill at the end.
- In California, Civil Code 3045.1 limits certain hospital liens, and workers' comp has its own fee rules.
How to find a provider
Use the directory to search by specialty and city, call the office directly and confirm it accepts your type of case (personal injury, workers' comp or letter of protection). Or ask us for help and we will contact you.
What this site does not do
LawyersTrend publishes this directory. It is not a medical provider, a law firm or a lawyer, and it is not a medical or lawyer referral service. It does not recommend or endorse any provider, and no provider pays for patient referrals. Listings come from public records and provider submissions and may be out of date; confirm lien terms directly with the provider. Nothing on this site is medical or legal advice.