Category: Health Care Litigation

Insurance Premiums Skyrocket Amid Rising Health Care Costs

Published on January 16, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp

Health Care Litigation

A recent report published by the national non-profit foundation formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) highlighted how annual family premiums for health insurance coverage are steadily increasing, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. As for what is behind the skyrocketing insurance premiums, it not only centers around rising healthcare costs but also on other factors. Below, we'll explain more about what is driving costs and how much premiums are being impacted. Where Current Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Rates Stand The researchers who [...]
+ Continue Reading

What to Do if Your Health Insurance Denies a Claim

Published on November 22, 2022, by Matthew Sharp

Health Care Litigation

Knowing what to do if your health insurance denies a claim can increase your chances of getting the decision overturned. You have a legal right to appeal the denial decision through either an internal or external appeal.  An internal appeal involves requesting your health insurance company to take a second look at your claim and reconsider its decision. An external appeal involves asking an independent third party to review your claim and decide whether your insurer should pay the claim.  A bad faith insurance lawyer can discuss reasons [...]
+ Continue Reading

Jury Awards $200 Million Against Sierra Health & Life for Wrongful Denial of Healthcare Coverage

Published on April 12, 2022, by Matthew Sharp

Blog, Health Care Litigation, Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Bad Faith Disputes

I want to thank you all for the very kind words and thoughts. Those comments are greatly appreciated. I want to let you all know briefly what Eskew v. Sierra Health & Life was about. I am sure there will be a time when I have the energy to talk about the trial strategy, the trial, and our impression of why the jury made the right decision. Three years ago, Doug Terry (a great lawyer from Oklahoma City) and I believed in a fine lady from Las Vegas, [...]
+ Continue Reading

What Is Medical Necessity?

Published on October 12, 2018, by Matthew Sharp

Health Care Litigation

Proving medical necessity can play an important role in a bad faith insurance case when a company denies a claim. Most health plans will not pay for healthcare services that are not deemed to be medically necessary. Medical evidence is required to show the validity of a claim. Even valid claims, however, are sometimes denied. Contact an insurance claim lawyer for help with your case. Medical Necessity Definition What is medical necessity? Health insurance companies provide coverage only for health-related services that are medically necessary, meaning medical services [...]
+ Continue Reading

The Number of Consumers With Medical Bills Denied Might Surprise You [Infographic]

Published on September 27, 2017, by Matthew Sharp

Health Care Litigation

As many as 53 million insured Americans are denied payment for medical bills by their health insurance company. Recent medical data shows that 24 percent of insured individuals are denied payment for prescribed medical treatments.   Denied Payment for Medical Treatments Over the last few years, many Americans have gained health insurance with the help of healthcare reforms through Obama Care (Affordable Care Act), however, many of those insured individuals with persistent conditions and chronic illnesses are facing medical billing denials for treatments. According to data from the [...]
+ Continue Reading

Dangerously Defective Medical Devices [infographic]

Published on September 15, 2016, by Matthew Sharp

Health Care Litigation, Infographic, Product Liability

Improperly tested and manufactured medical devices cause thousands of severe injuries and fatalities each year. Loose regulations that allow for selective reporting exacerbate the risk and put patient lives at risk. Patients who have suffered adverse events due to defective devices can pursue compensation via a Reno defective medical device lawyer. Hip Replacements From 2002 to 2013, there were 578 recalls from six manufacturers of hip replacement devices. Stryker had the most with 231, and DuPey had the second greatest number with 150. Devices manufactured by these companies [...]
+ Continue Reading

Avea ventilator under recall: May cause death [infographic]

Published on August 12, 2016, by Matthew Sharp

Health Care Litigation, Infographic, Product Liability

CareFusion Avea ventilators recalled because of risk of death or serious injury A Class 1 recall has been issued for the CareFusion Avea ventilators. Class 1 recalls are the most serious recalls issued by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning that the defects may result in serious injuries or death. The recall for the ventilators is due to a defective fuse on the alarm board of the devices, which might lead to unexpected shutdowns. When a ventilator shuts down, the patient might not receive sufficient oxygen. Avea ventilators [...]
+ Continue Reading