Florida Supreme Court Hears State Farm Lawsuit Against UF Health Jacksonville Over PIP Claim Payouts
The Florida Supreme Court recently heard an appeal by State Farm in a lawsuit the auto insurer brought against UF Health Jacksonville over what it calls a lack of transparency with its medical billing. A state Circuit Court judge originally decided in favor of State Farm, ruling UF Health Jacksonville needed to turn over billing information to the insurance giant but that ruling was overturned by a state District Court of Appeals.
Now, the argument is before the Florida Supreme Court and could shape the way auto insurance companies interact with hospitals when paying personal injury protection (PIP) auto claims. Justices could take some time before deciding on the issue, but it would not affect Florida’s PIP system as a whole.
At issue in the suit are 29 specific claims the hospital filed with the patient’s PIP provider, State Farm Mutual Insurance. State Farm claims it wants to examine the reasonableness of the charges while the hospital maintains it fairly billed the auto insurer.
Lawyers for UF Health Jacksonville pointed out to the justices that State Farm willingly and completely paid the all claims without questioning their validity at the time. In fact, according to the hospital’s lawyers, State Farm is free to scrutinize the fairness of the claim and pay whatever portion it feels is fair.
Jacksonville PIP Auto Claims
It should come as no surprise to anyone remotely familiar with the auto insurance industry that State Farm would use legal avenues to avoid paying auto accident claims. State Farm in particular is notorious for trying to pay as little compensation as possible to auto accident victims, even in no-fault insurance states like Florida where the victim’s own insurer pays his or her medical bills.
Under Florida’s PIP car insurance laws, auto accident victims generally cannot sue the at-fault driver or their insurance company unless a significant injury has taken place. Serious injuries that may allow for Jacksonville auto accident lawsuits include disfigurement, disability, or fatalities.
Auto accident victims and their families should strongly consider retaining an experienced and dedicated Jacksonville auto accident lawyer following an injury to help ensure their legal rights are fully exercised and maximum compensation is provided. Insurance companies, even the victim’s own, will often attempt to downplay injuries in an attempt to save money at the expense and wellbeing of those who depend on their auto insurance to make them whole again.
Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyers of the Pendas Law Firm regularly represent car accident victims and their families and aggressively advocate for their best interests.
For a free legal consultation, contact our office. The Pendas Law Firm serves clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Strict time deadlines do apply when filing auto accident lawsuits so please contact us at your earliest convenience.
