[notmytarga]

One thing to consider is that the lawyers and insurance consider the "meds" at face value. Meaning that they add up all the Medical Bills at full face value and are not concerned about the insurance discounts, deductibles and Copays. This greatly inflates the medical liability claim over actual out of pocket losses - but this is how it it done. I was surprised and asked our attorney for careful reiteration.

I have wondered how much effect this has on the inflated bills from ER's, hospitals and physicians over what is actually allowed by most insurances. Perhaps tort lawyers are partially responsible for the high cost of medical care.....? The auto accident victim is likely to get $30K in hospital care before surgery in tests, CT scans and facility fees. Insurance pays 1/4 - 1/2 this amount but the $30K is what is used for negotiations.

If this is the case for you then you would want to have all the initial bills totaled rather than the out of pocket actual costs.