Collateral Source Rule - Here We Go Again in Wisconsin!
December 2015
Recent legislation has been proposed in the Wisconsin Legistature with respect to the collateral source rule. The rule currently provides that if an injured person's case goes to trial the full amount of the charges for medical expenses are provided to the finder of fact and not the discounted amounts. Insurance companies are often given discounts from medical providers for medical services. One of the many reasons for the rule is to not allow a responsible person to benefit from an injured person being careful and having insurance. The law has always provided that a responsible party pay the full amount of damages and not benefit from the injured person's own insurance.
The recent legislation proposed would change the rule. This would be a great detriment to those who have purchased insurance but also a benefit to those who injure others.
If you have questions regarding your medical bills after an accident, you should contact Herrick & Hart. We deal with issues involving medical bills and a daily basis.