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Know Your Rights When You Are Billed For Medical Care
It is a nightmare when a loved one gets sick or injured and has to be rushed to the hospital for emergency care and a possible prolonged hospital stay. Of course, you aren’t thinking of the costs of medical treatment at the time – but many times after a person has recovered and returns home, families are finding that’s when the real nightmare begins.
They get the bill.
An article that recently appeared in the Los Angeles Times features parents who had to take their toddler son to the hospital for treatment and later received a bill for $8,900. Since they had an insurance deductible of $10,000, they naturally began scrutinizing every charge on the bill. They ran into an $839.25 charge from a medical group they had never even heard about.
When they called to inquire about it, they didn’t receive any answers, but did receive threats if the bill wasn’t paid
Unfortunately, this isn’t surprising, according to Pat Palmer, founder of Billing Advocates of America. “We get feedback from consumers saying that providers are telling them ‘We can’t give you an itemized statement’ or ‘You should have asked before you left the hospital.’”
Don’t let medical care providers bully you. You do have rights. Most states have laws that entitle patients to an itemized medical bill that clearly outlines costs for supplies and services. The billing department must give you one if you demand it.
In California, a law was enacted in 2006 that limits how much an uninsured person can be charged by a hospital. Depending on a patient’s financial situation, the law limits the amount a hospital can charge compared to what Medicare or other public programs would charge.
Since unpaid, disputed medical bills can be sent to collection agencies, which will adversely affect a patient’s credit rating, it is important that people know their legal rights and what they need to do to resolve a disagreement.
If you are hitting a brick wall when dealing with a medical provider, it may be necessary for you to take action by getting an experienced legal advocate who knows and understands insurance and medical billing law. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand are ready to help you and your family.
Call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 to learn about your legal options. We want to help
Investigation Continues Into Death of Student Who Died During ‘Deltopia’
Santa Barbara authorities are still investigating why an 18-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo freshman was found dead in the ocean close to a popular surf spot near UC Santa Barbara. They do suspect that the young woman may have died as the result of a fall from a cliff near the ocean during the chaotic aftermath of a “Deltopia” party that had been broken up by Santa Barbara police.
“Deltopia,” was known as “Floatopia” until 2009. But then Santa Barbara officials banned the use of Isla Vista’s beaches for the unpermitted party where thousands would gather to kick off the start of the spring semester at UC Santa Barbara. The event’s name was changed to “Deltopia” after students moved the party from the beach to Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista, which is located on the bluffs above the ocean.
It’s estimated that 15,000 to 18,000 students gather in the community during the spring break party.
Police suspect that the Santa Rosa native may have fallen off a cliff during the confusion that ensued as people scattered in the dark to leave the party. Two of the victim’s friends said that they could not find her after the party when thousands of students had gathered. Authorities are saying that the co-ed’s injuries seem consistent with those that are sustained during a fall.
According to the Press Democrat, Santa Barbara County officials are contemplating what to do about the increasingly out-of-control nature of the huge un-permitted annual weekend gathering. Citing this death and several other injuries and incidents related to “Deltopia,” one Santa Barbara County supervisor said that gatherings this large where students are intoxicated “get out of control quickly.”
Are you trying to cope with the sudden and wrongful death of a loved one that was caused by another’s negligence? When the attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand accept a wrongful death case we dedicate ourselves to pursuing fair compensation for your family during an extremely difficult time.
Take action to protect your legal rights. Call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 to learn about your legal options. Your case evaluation is free
13 Injured after Metrolink Train Collides with Dump Truck
Authorities are still investigating why a Metrolink commuter train collided into a dump truck in the San Fernando Valley — an accident that sent nine out of 109 passengers aboard the train to local hospitals. According to a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), there were a total of 13 people who sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
The accident occurred in Pacoima when a dump truck, for unknown reasons, was on the tracks and failed to move out of the way of an oncoming Metrolink commuter train. The impact of the crash caused the dump truck to overturn. The driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries on the scene and was released.
The passengers who were not taken to the hospital were dropped off at the Sylmar Station. According to the LAFD, the accident is currently under investigation.
The Encino train accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand are aware that the injuries suffered by the passengers on the Metrolink might be relatively minor. However, due to the sheer size and weight of a train, victims of train-related accidents can suffer broken bones, brain injury, and even fatality.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a commuter, passenger, or commercial train, our personal injury law firm is standing by to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. This includes payment for medical bills, offset lost wages, permanent lost income, rehabilitation costs, and any other damages. All of our train accident cases are handled on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay for our services unless you receive compensation.
If you have questions about your legal options and rights following a train accident, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530.
Balcony Collapses during ‘Deltopia’ Party in Isla Vista, Four Injured
A wood balcony that reportedly was holding 20 people collapsed in Isla Vista, sending four people to the hospital. The premises accident victims were gathered at a residence as part of a massive “Deltopia” street bash that takes place to mark the start of University of California, Santa Barbara’s spring quarter.
Noozhawk.com reports that those injured in the balcony collapse were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Officials confirm that two of the victims were being treated for back injuries and another was treated for a severe cut. It was not reported what the fourth person was being treated for. Currently, there is no word as to the current state of the balcony collapse victims.
The student-organized “Deltopia” sprang from “Floatopia,” which was held on Isla Vista beaches. Santa Barbara officials shut down access to the shoreline for the unofficial “Floatopia” event in 2010 when it was determined that there were no provisions for sanitation or refusing entry to ensure the public safety of the massive party, which was attended by thousands of students.
“Floatopia” was then moved to Del Playa Drive and the event name was changed to “Deltopia.” The party was held at a residence on the 600 block of Del Playa Drive where the balcony collapsed. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.
Injuries that are caused by dangerous property conditions or a property owner’s failure to properly maintain a private residence, business, or other institution may fall under the auspices of “premises liability.” If you have been personally injured due to the negligence of a property manager, protect your legal rights and contact a premise liability attorney at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand. Call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 to learn more about compensation for your losses.
Buellton Law Enforcement Leaders Support Distracted Driving Awareness Month
A multi-agency group of law enforcement leaders gathered at a press-conference in Buellton to show their support for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. This is a nationwide campaign designed to make motorists aware of the dangers of distracted driving; especially the hazards of driving while texting or using a cell phone.
The agencies reconfirmed their commitment to keep looking for inattentive drivers and echoed their support for the statewide Zero Tolerance Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation, which begins on April 1 and runs through April 30. Drivers who are caught texting or using a cell phone will not be issued a warning, but will be ticketed. According to the Santa Barbara Independent, more than 57,000 tickets were issued in California during the operation last April.
A spokesman for the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department told the gathering, “We have experienced far too many distracted driver-related fatal and injury accidents right here in Santa Barbara County. Such tragedies are 100% percent preventable. The consequences of texting and driving can kill innocent victims and leave a lifetime of sorrow and regret for others, including the distracted driver.”
It is estimated that in 2011 more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driver-related accidents and an additional 387,000 people were injured.
The Santa Barbara auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand commend the national effort to reign in distracted and negligent drivers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. There are far too many distracted drivers on California’s roads and highways causing injuries and deaths that are preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a distracted driver, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 to learn about your legal options.
New Guideline for Treating Concussions
The personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand have found that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently released a new guideline to deal with the 1 million athletes who suffer from concussions, and potentially debilitating brain injuries every year in the United States.
New evidence has found that it does not take much for permanent brain damage to occur if a concussion is not properly cared for on and/or off the playing field. Researchers have found that younger brains can be especially vulnerable to long-term damage.
The co-lead author of the new guideline said that the new standards replace the older 1997 guidelines released by the AAN. One of the most important recommendations the new guideline stresses is that any athlete who is suspected of having experienced a concussion should be removed from the field of play immediately.
He went on to say, “We’ve moved away from the concussion grading systems we first established in 1997 and are now recommending concussion and return to play be assessed in each athlete individually. There is no set timeline for safe return to play.”
Not surprisingly, the guideline states that for men, the sports that offered the greatest risk for sustaining a concussion were football, soccer, and hockey. For women, the greatest potential risks for concussion and traumatic brain Injury were in soccer and basketball. The guideline also states that the period of greatest risk for potential brain damage is within the first 10 days of a concussion.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another party, whether on the playing field or off, contact the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to lifetime of expensive medical care and rehabilitation costs, and can place immense stress on the families of victims. If you believe you have a case, we can be reached online or call us at our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022, or at our Encino office at (818) 981-3530.
Two Friends Stand Trial in Deadly Motorcycle Crash
Two Santa Barbara motorcyclists have been ordered to stand trial for vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving in connection with the death of a friend who was killed on Foothill Road, while allegedly racing them on his motorcycle.
According to Noozhawk.com, the three had been accused of racing at a high rate of speed when the accident occurred. The victim crossed over a double-yellow line on a blind curve and crashed into an oncoming SUV. After striking the SUV, the motorcyclist went down a steep embankment. One of his friends skidded off the road and another continued on, until he realized the other two were not following him.
The friend came back, but fled allegedly because he was afraid that police would discover he had neither motorcycle insurance nor a motorcycle license. He initially ran from police when they came to his home. He later denied that the three had been racing. The two survivors are currently being held in Santa Barbara County Jail.
A Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge determined that the 24-year-old victim of the fatal motorcycle accident might not have crashed if he had not gone out to ride with his two friends. The judge felt there was enough evidence presented at the preliminary hearing to hold a trial.
Both men have been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and participating in a speed contest causing injury. Arraignment has been scheduled for April 4.
When seeking to prove liability in a wrongful death motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek a law firm that has a proven track record of winning judgments for its clients. Sometimes, determining the responsible party for a deadly motorcycle crash is not cut and dry, so having the experienced and knowledgeable legal representation that the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand can provide makes sense for your family. We can be reached online or call us at our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 for a free and confidential review of your case.
Corvette Smashes into Back of Truck in Sepulveda Pass
A man was hospitalized when his Corvette crashed into the back of a box truck near Getty Center Drive on the San Diego (405) Freeway. The Corvette had to be pulled out from beneath the truck by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The top of the vehicle was completely crushed, but luckily the accident victim was reportedly conscious throughout the whole ordeal and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After viewing photographs of the accident, it is a wonder that the driver was not more seriously injured or even killed in the underride truck accident. The risks of passenger vehicles sliding underneath large trucks in rear-end accidents was recently addressed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to strengthen its underride guard standards for semi trucks and other large vehicles.
Currently, some large trucks, such as dump trucks, are not even required to have underride guards.
While IIHS stated that most modern semitrailers have guards that do an adequate job of preventing potentially catastrophic underride, in tests the institute performed in 2010 and 2011, the guards manufactured to meet minimum NHTSA standard for underride protection did a poor job of preventing it.
IIHS pointed out that Canada has a much more stringent underride standard for guard strength and size, and that vehicles that had guards meeting those standards did a much better job of preventing underrides.
While IIHS stated the Canadian standard is not perfect, it is a good start towards strengthening overall guard standards. IIHS’s chief research officer stated on the institute’s website, “While we’re counting on NHTSA to come up with a more effective regulation, we hope that in the meantime trailer buyers take note of our findings and insist on stronger guards.”
Have you or a loved one been injured in a crash with a truck? Contact the Law Office of Reneé J. Nordstrand. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you believe you have a case, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 for a free consultation. We can also be reached online.
Dogs on a Bus: Is It Legal Even If It is a Pit Bull?
The dog bite attorneys in Santa Barbara at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand recently ran into an interesting story involving a man who brought his pit bull onto a San Luis Obispo city bus.
According to KSBY.com, several passengers on the bus admitted to being on edge when the public transport patron walked to the back of the bus with dog in tow and sat down. One man who talked to KSBY said, “Everybody was nervous and nobody came [to the back of the bus] and sat next to that dog.” He went on to claim that the man with the pit bull stayed on the bus for 10 stops before he got off.
Although the passengers on that bus probably weren’t aware that pit bulls were responsible for 61 percent of all fatal dog attacks in 2012, the breed’s reputation certainly precedes it, and being nervous around them in a crowded public setting seems justified.
But, was it illegal?
When KSBY posed that question to the transit manager of the City of San Luis Obispo, he said that their hands are somewhat tied by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The driver of a bus can only ask a patron if his or her dog is a pet or if it is a service animal. If the patron answers that it is a service animal, then the driver has to make a judgment call.
Reportedly, the driver of the bus did ask the patron with the pit bull that question, and the patron told him it was a service dog. Since people with service animals are not required to carry proof, many bus drivers are nervous to even question patrons with dogs for fear of a possible ADA lawsuit.
While nothing happened while the dog was on that bus, attorney Reneé J. Nordstrand has handled enough dog bite cases to know that even seemingly friendly dogs have the potential to be dangerous and destructive. If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, seek medical help and then contact us online or call us at (805) 962-2022 for Santa Barbara or at (818) 981-3530 for Encino. Find out what your legal options might be through a free consultation with our team.
J&J Hip Trial Testimony Alleges Company Knew of Defects Years before Recall
The J&J ASR hip replacement defect attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand have been following the first Johnson & Johnson hip device trial that is currently being conducted in Los Angeles. We have learned that J&J may have known about the defects for years, but did nothing to address them.
A J&J DePuy unit bioengineer testified via videotape that he spent three years studying a redesign of the ASR hips to address the known high failure rate of the devices. However, the project (dubbed Project Alpha) went nowhere and no changes to the defective device were made. The project was terminated in 2008. J&J recalled the ASR hip implants in 2010.
Bloomberg News reports that the attorney for the plaintiff seeking damages against J&J pointed to an email the engineer sent to his superiors in April, 2008. In it he wrote, “a small improvement to geometry could represent a large improvement for many patients.” He then wrote that by simply removing a groove, wear on the cup of the device “is approximately threefold less than the original design with the groove.”
That same day he wrote an email to his superiors complaining that he was receiving “absolutely no direction” from them concerning his findings.
The plaintiff’s attorney claims his client was sickened by metal ions that had been released into his bloodstream due to the defective design of the ASR metal-on-metal hip replacement. Other patients have complained of pain, joint dislocations, bone fractures, and infections. Currently, there are some 10,000 lawsuits that have been filed concerning the recalled hip implants.
The Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand will be keeping a close eye on the outcome of this bellwether trial. If you believe you’ve suffered an injury due to a defective J&J ASR metal-on-metal hip replacement, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530. We can also be contacted online. Arrange for your free consultation today.