Guide
For many personal injury plaintiffs, medical bills begin piling up long before their case reaches settlement. To keep treatment accessible, healthcare providers often agree to a medical lien—an arrangement that allows payment to be deferred until the case resolves.
But even with a lien in place, plaintiffs can still struggle to cover living expenses, transportation, and other costs while waiting for compensation. That’s where pre-settlement funding comes in. Together, these two financial tools can provide comprehensive support throughout your recovery and legal journey.
What Is a Medical Lien?
A medical lien is a legal claim that allows doctors, hospitals, or treatment facilities to be paid directly from your future settlement. In exchange, they provide medical care now without requiring upfront payment.
Liens are commonly used in personal injury and accident cases where:
The plaintiff lacks health insurance
Medical bills exceed coverage limits
The provider specializes in lien-based treatment for legal claims
While medical liens make treatment possible, they don’t help with other essential expenses—like rent, groceries, or utilities.
How Pre-Settlement Funding Complements Medical Liens
Pre-settlement funding provides a non-recourse cash advance based on your case’s estimated value. You can use this money to cover everyday expenses that medical liens don’t address.
Together, these two resources work hand-in-hand:
Medical Lien | Pre-Settlement Funding |
|---|---|
Covers the cost of medical care | Covers personal and household expenses |
Repaid directly from the settlement | Repaid from the same settlement, only if you win |
Managed by healthcare providers | Managed by your attorney and funding provider |
By combining both, plaintiffs can maintain medical treatment and financial stability throughout the litigation process.
Why Coordination Between Liens and Funding Matters
Both medical liens and pre-settlement advances are repaid from your settlement, so coordination is crucial. That’s why Instabridge works directly with your attorney to:
Verify all existing liens and obligations
Structure funding amounts responsibly, leaving room for your final payout
Ensure transparency so you know exactly what will be repaid once your case resolves
This balance protects your financial outcome while ensuring all parties are fairly compensated.
The Benefits of Using Both Together
Comprehensive support: Covers both medical and personal costs during litigation
Continued treatment: Ensures you can access necessary care without delay
Reduced stress: Prevents financial strain from unpaid bills
Fair, transparent repayment: All handled through your attorney after settlement
When managed responsibly, funding and liens together create a safety net that keeps you healthy, secure, and focused on your case.
Why Plaintiffs Trust Instabridge
At Instabridge, we understand how complex financial coordination can become during a lawsuit. That’s why we:
Communicate directly with your attorney to review liens and case details
Provide fast approvals—typically within 24–48 hours
Offer transparent terms with no hidden fees or compounding interest
Guarantee non-recourse protection—you owe nothing if your case doesn’t succeed
Our goal is to ensure funding helps you—not complicates your recovery.
Conclusion: Two Tools for One Goal—Your Stability
Medical liens make treatment possible, and pre-settlement funding makes life manageable while you recover. When used together, they provide complete financial support until your settlement arrives.
If you’re managing medical liens and struggling with other expenses, Instabridge can help. Contact us today to discuss your funding options and take the next step toward stability and peace of mind.
