What Is a Letter of Protection and How Does It Work?

If you’ve been injured in an accident and don’t have health insurance — or can’t afford out-of-pocket costs — a Letter of Protection (LOP) can help you get the medical treatment you need without paying upfront.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we frequently work with medical providers and clients to arrange treatment under Letters of Protection. Here’s how they work and why they can be a valuable tool in your personal injury case.

What Is a Letter of Protection (LOP)?

A Letter of Protection is a written agreement between your attorney and your medical provider. It guarantees that the provider will be paid from your personal injury settlement or verdict — not upfront.

In other words, the doctor agrees to treat now and get paid later, based on the outcome of your case.

When Is an LOP Used?

LOPs are often used when:

• You don’t have health insurance
• Your insurance doesn’t cover certain treatments
• You need specialized care that’s out-of-network
• You can’t afford co-pays, deductibles, or ongoing therapy costs

Common services covered under LOPs include:

• Emergency room or urgent care visits
• MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostics
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Orthopedic surgery or pain management

How Does the Process Work?

1. You consult with your attorney, who evaluates the need for an LOP
2. Your lawyer contacts a trusted medical provider who agrees to the terms
3. The provider treats you, and keeps records of all services and costs
4. At settlement, the provider is paid directly from the recovery
5. If you don’t recover compensation, you may still be liable for the bill — but many providers are flexible or willing to negotiate

Benefits of an LOP

✅ Immediate access to treatment
✅ No out-of-pocket medical costs during your case
✅ Accurate documentation of injuries
✅ Helps support the value of your personal injury claim

Risks and Considerations

⚠️ Outstanding bills may affect your final recovery
⚠️ The provider becomes a lienholder on your case
⚠️ Some insurance companies may try to discredit treatment under an LOP — we know how to push back against that.

Focused on Healing — Not Medical Bills

You shouldn’t have to delay treatment while waiting for a legal resolution. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help clients access high-quality care through Letters of Protection and fight to recover the full cost of treatment.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you recover — physically and financially.