Getting a settlement after you have been injured can be lifesaving. It can help you pay for medical bills and other expenses, especially if you aren’t able to return to work.

Unfortunately, getting a settlement isn’t always easy. It’s important to manage your expectations by understanding the timeline for settlements in cases like yours. It could be months or even years before your settlement finally makes its way to your bank account.

How are you supposed to pay bills in the meantime?

There are a few things you can do while you wait for a settlement so you don’t fall behind on your bills.

Ask Your Attorney About a Letter of Protection

Attorneys do a lot to get the most money in a settlement possible, but their abilities don’t end at negotiating with insurance providers. Depending on your situation, they could provide you with a letter of protection.

A letter of protection is issued if your insurance won’t cover all of your medical bills or if you don’t have medical insurance at all. It is given to your doctor as a promise that all medical costs will be paid out of the proceeds from your settlement.

It gives you the ability to get the medical care you need without having to worry about paying until you have the money to pay for it.

Ask Your Medical Provider for a Medical Lien

Another option that can work in conjunction with a letter of protection or by itself is a medical lien.

Your medical provider is able to put a lien on your settlement. It gives them the legal right to recover payment for medical costs once your settlement is awarded.

It provides your medical provider with a bit more peace of mind than a letter of protection alone. With a lien, they have the law on their side should you refuse to pay them when you receive your settlement.

Lean on Your Friends and Family

Don’t discount the support your friends and family have to offer. You may discover that a loved one is willing to help you cover your phone bill, or another may help you pay for groceries.

It’s not just money your friends and family can help you with. They can step in and provide free childcare, they might be willing to mow your lawn for free, or they could help you cook healthy meals so you don’t have to rely on fast food.

Don’t let your pride or discomfort get in the way of asking! Chances are, your loved ones would be happy to help. You just have to be willing to tell them what you need help with.

Try Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is another method you can try to get some money to pay the bills while you wait for your settlement. It allows you to share your experience with others who can then donate to your cause.

There are a few different crowdfunding sites you can try. They include:

• GoFundMe
• GoGetFunding
• FundRazr
• Fundly
• Plumfund

It’s important to choose the platform that fits your needs the best. They all charge slightly different fees and have different ways of releasing funds. Be willing to shop around so you find one that’s simple and easy for you to use.

Make Lifestyle Changes

There are endless ways to lower your bills, especially if you’re willing to make some lifestyle changes. A few things to consider doing include:

• Get rid of streaming services you don’t use very often
• Turn down your thermostat and put on a sweater
• Dine out less often
• Repair clothing instead of buying new items
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels

You might also want to think about the big things, as they have the potential to save you the most money. Moving out of an apartment and in with a family member while you recover could save you a lot of money on rent. So could selling your car, if you’re willing and able to part with it. You can always get a new apartment and buy a new car after you receive your settlement.

Get a Loan From Your Bank

Did you know that you might be able to get a personal loan from your bank to help you cover expenses?

Bank loans are a safer way to borrow money compared to some other methods, and they often come with lower fees. Chances are, you’ll have to get a letter from your attorney that outlines the most likely settlement figures in your case. After all, the more confident your bank is that you will be able to repay the loan, the more likely they are to give you the loan in the first place.

Consider Lawsuit Funding

Lawsuit funding is also an option, although it shouldn’t necessarily be your first choice.

These companies offer injury victims financial assistance while their case is still pending. Some are considered loans while others only have to be repaid if your case is successful. Most have high interest rates and large fees. They aren’t usually regulated like other loans either, so there aren’t any protections in place if your lender doesn’t abide by the terms of your contract.

However, it’s not a bad option if you have exhausted all of your other options and you’re tempted to settle early for a lesser amount. It can buy you some time so you can pay your bills and get the full amount you deserve, even if it takes a while.

Bills can pile up fast when you don’t have the money to pay for them. Don’t just stack them on the table and keep your fingers crossed that your settlement will hit your bank account soon. It could take months or even years to see your case through to its end. It’s much better to find ways to pay your bills in the meantime. Not only will it keep you from falling behind, but you can also rest easier at night knowing that you’re taking control of your financial situation.