Personal Injury Cases and the V.A.

As a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, an issue that comes up in many cases involves injured veterans.What happens when a veteran utilizing his/her V.A. health plan is injured in an accident? How does the Veterans Affairs health plan affect a personal injury case?In the past, I've discussed the related issue of when Medicare affects a personal injury case.Under federal law, if a veteran is injured by a third-party's negligence, and that veteran treats for his/her injuries at a V.A. facility, the V.A. has a statutory lien on the case.  The rationale behind the rule is simple: If someone is negligent and hurts a veteran, the tortfeasor's insurance should be responsible for payment--not the American taxpayers.In fact, the V.A. has an entire department dedicated to collections from third-party insurance.  The collections are handled by the V.A.'s Office of the General Counsel's Subrogation department.Many people might not realize how complicated V.A. subrogation issues can be.  That's why it's important to have an attorney working for you who is knowledgeable in these matters.It has been my honor these past few years to get to know and represent many veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  If you're a veteran and have a question about your Los Angeles personal injury case, my office is ready to assist, 24/6.