Attorneys who handle personal injury cases are not only confronted with the facts in the underlying third-party action—but also with the responsibility to investigate and resolve liens (the term “lien” in this article covers not only subrogation interests but also statutory and contractual claims for reimbursement) associated with treatment provided for the injuries alleged by the plaintiff.

Regardless of the medical insurer, an injured party or their counsel must resolve all liens for care related to the injuries claimed in a case. In recent years, attorneys defending personal injury actions have increased their efforts to investigate medical liens, to avoid releasing settlement funds without first confirming that related medical liens have been satisfied.