Nobody in East Texas expects to get in a car accident, but it can happen in an instant. One minute you’re driving down the road and the next minute you’re left seriously injured. Before you know what’s happening, you’re taken to the hospital. A doctor examines you and orders some tests. Then you get a shock. The doctor says you need surgery.
The thought of surgery can be frightening, but most of the time things go well. You get the treatment you need so you can start healing. But once your home, you get another shock when you get the hospital bill. Surgery after a car accident can be very expensive, no matter what type of injuries you suffered.
Why is surgery so expensive?
Your hospital bill will likely include these types of charges related to your surgery:
- ER service – This is a charge for any treatment you received while you were in the emergency room following your accident.
- Lab tests – There is a separate charge for each lab test doctors order before your surgery. Depending on your situation, these tests may include a complete blood count, urinalysis, glucose tests or potassium tests.
- Imaging tests – Before surgery, a doctor may have you get an x-ray, CT scan or MRI to help determine the type of surgical procedure you need.
- Operating room time – Hospitals typically charge based on the amount of time you spend in surgery. Some hospitals bill in 15-minute increments.
- Anesthesia – These fees include the use of supplies, equipment, medication and hospital staff to keep you anesthetized during your time in the operating room.
- Recovery room time – The recovery room is where you will be taken immediately after your surgery to be monitored as you gradually come out of the anesthesia.
- Your hospital room – This is the charge for a semi-private or private room if you need to stay a day or more in the hospital.
- IV therapy – This charge covers the materials used to keep your body replenished with fluids while you’re in the hospital.
- Medical supplies - These are charges for the materials used during your surgery, including any screws or plates that were needed to set broken bones.
- Medication – The cost of medications you were prescribed from the hospital pharmacy during your stay.
An experienced attorney can fight for your rights
Hospital bills after major surgery can easily end up costing tens of thousands of dollars. More complicated surgeries for severe injuries can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. You needed the surgery to help you recover as much as possible from your injuries. But one of the first questions you may ask after seeing the bill is: How am I going to pay this?
If a negligent driver caused your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay. Insurance companies may question the seriousness of your injuries and even the need for surgery. They may blame you for causing the accident. That’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney who will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve for all expenses related to your surgery – now and in the future.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein has been fighting for the injured in East Texas for decades. If you need surgery after a car accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.