Short Answer

In North Carolina, you are entitled to a written, itemized settlement statement before any money is disbursed. Review the gross settlement, attorney’s fee and costs, each medical lien/claim with reductions, and your net. Ask for copies of every lien payoff letter, itemized bill, and insurance ledger so you can confirm your health plan deductible or out-of-pocket amounts are not paid twice. Your attorney should hold funds for any disputed lien until it’s resolved.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how to read and verify the final settlement statement in a North Carolina personal injury case so you don’t overpay medical liens and you avoid being charged your health insurance deductible twice. You’re expecting liens from your health insurer, two hospitals, and an EMS provider, and you want copies of the supporting bills and ledgers before you sign and receive your check.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law recognizes statutory medical liens for providers who treated accident-related injuries, and it requires proper documentation before those liens can be enforced. Your attorney must provide a clear, written disbursement statement and may not release trust funds until known liens and payoffs are addressed or the disputed portion is held. You do not file anything with a court to receive your settlement; this review happens between you and your attorney, and lien disputes are handled with the lienholders or, if needed, through the courts.

Key Requirements

• Itemized written statement: You should receive a line-by-line statement showing the gross settlement, attorney’s fee, case costs, each lien/claim (with creditor names), any reductions, and your net recovery.
• Provider lien documentation: Medical providers must furnish itemized bills and records needed to evaluate their claims; failure to do so can affect enforceability of their liens.
• Verify insurer reimbursements: Health plan reimbursement (if any) depends on the plan and law; request the insurer’s ledger/EOBs and confirm your deductible/out-of-pocket is credited once, not twice.
• Written payoff letters: Obtain payoff letters or ledgers from each lienholder (hospitals, EMS, insurer) showing dates of service, amounts, contractual write-offs, payments, and the final amount claimed.
• Consent before disbursement: You approve the final statement in writing; any disputed amount should remain in the attorney trust account until resolved.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 44-49 (Medical provider liens) - Creates liens for medical services related to the injury and requires providers to furnish itemized bills/records upon request.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 44-50 (Enforcement and distribution) - Addresses how medical liens are satisfied from settlement funds and the order of payment.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you have liens from a health insurer, two hospitals, and EMS, ask your attorney for a final, itemized statement plus each provider’s payoff letter and the insurer’s ledger/EOBs. Compare the insurer ledger to the hospital and EMS bills to ensure your deductible and any co-pays appear only once. If a provider has not supplied itemized bills or records after request, raise that before payment, and have any disputed amount held in trust until the claim is verified or reduced.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: No court filing is required. Where: Your North Carolina attorney prepares the statement and manages funds in the law firm trust account. What: Request the “final settlement statement” and supporting documents: itemized provider bills, lien payoff letters, health insurer ledger/EOBs, and any written reduction agreements. When: Ask for these before you sign the statement and before any checks are cut.
2. Your attorney confirms final payoffs and negotiates reductions where appropriate. This step often takes several weeks, especially with hospitals or large insurers, and timing varies by lienholder.
3. After you review and approve, you sign the settlement statement; the attorney issues checks to lienholders and to you, and provides a closing packet with the signed statement and receipts.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Health plan type matters: Reimbursement rights differ by plan terms and governing law. Ask whether your plan is self-funded or fully insured and request the plan language supporting any claimed payback.
• Missing documentation: If a provider or EMS has not provided itemized bills or records after request, raise this; their lien may not be enforceable until proper documentation is furnished.
• Double-counting deductibles: Match the insurer ledger/EOBs to each provider bill; confirm contractual write-offs and prior payments are applied so you don’t pay the same deductible twice.
• Disputed amounts: Do not approve payment of a disputed lien. Instruct your attorney to hold the disputed portion in trust while the issue is negotiated or submitted for a legal determination.
• Incorrect payee or address: Verify the legal name and remit-to address on each payoff letter to avoid delays or returned checks.

Conclusion

To review your North Carolina personal injury settlement statement, insist on a written, itemized breakdown plus copies of every lien payoff letter, provider bill, and insurer ledger/EOB. Confirm each lien is supported and correctly reduced, and make sure your deductible and co-pays are credited once. Approve disbursement only after unresolved items are either corrected or held in trust. Next step: request the full packet from your attorney and schedule a line-by-line review before you sign.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a final settlement statement, medical liens, and deductible credits, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at 919-341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.