What is a Letter of Protection in a North Carolina Personal Injury Case?
July 28, 2026After a North Carolina accident, medical treatment is often one of the biggest concerns for injured people. If you’re unable to work or are waiting for an insurance claim to be resolved, paying out of pocket for care may not be feasible. In some situations, your attorney and medical provider may use a Letter of Protection to help address that concern.
While a Letter of Protection is not appropriate in every case, understanding how it works can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
What Is a Letter of Protection?
A Letter of Protection (often called an “LOP”) is an agreement between your attorney and a healthcare provider. Instead of requiring immediate payment for certain medical services, the provider agrees to wait for payment until your personal injury claim is resolved.
If your case results in a settlement or court award, the medical provider is typically paid from those proceeds for the services they provided.
When Might a Letter of Protection Be Used?
A Letter of Protection may be considered when an injured person needs ongoing medical care but has limited options for paying out of pocket.
- Health insurance does not cover the recommended treatment.
- The injured person does not have health insurance.
- Medical costs exceed what the patient can reasonably pay while the case is pending.
Whether a Letter of Protection is appropriate depends on the facts of each case and the medical provider’s policies.
Does a Letter of Protection Guarantee Payment?
No. A Letter of Protection does not guarantee that a personal injury claim will be successful or that a specific amount of compensation will be recovered.
Instead, it serves as an agreement that, if compensation is obtained, the provider will be paid in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Before signing any agreement, it is important to understand how it may affect your case and your financial obligations.
Why Communication Is Important?
If treatment is being provided under a Letter of Protection, staying in contact with both your attorney and your healthcare providers is essential. Keeping everyone informed about your medical care and the progress of your claim can help avoid misunderstandings as the case moves forward.
Your attorney can also answer questions about how medical bills may be handled if your claim settles or proceeds to trial.
Speak With Our Charlotte Personal Injury Attorneys
Every personal injury case is different, and a Letter of Protection is only one of several options that may be available depending on your circumstances. At Ramsay Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys help clients understand the legal process, evaluate their options, and work toward the best possible outcome for their case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, call (704) 376-1616 or contact us online for a free consultation.
A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.
Related Link:
- Can a Minor Under 18 File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in North Carolina?
- How the Right Legal Advocate Can Make a Difference in a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claim
- What is a Form 18 in North Carolina, and When Do I Need to File It?
