Should I send you the new hospital bill I just received, and what’s the best way to get it to you? – North Carolina

Short Answer

Yes. In North Carolina injury claims, every new hospital bill matters because medical charges help prove damages and help the legal team track what was billed, what was paid, and what is still owed. The best approach is to send a clear copy right away (PDF or photos) along with the page that shows the patient name, date(s) of service, and account number, and to keep the original for records.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, an injured person may keep receiving medical bills for treatment that continues after an incident, especially when mail is forwarded after a move. The decision point is whether a newly received hospital bill should be provided to the law firm handling the claim, and what delivery method best protects privacy while making sure the bill is usable for the case file and settlement discussions.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, medical charges can be used as evidence of damages in a civil injury case. Keeping complete, organized billing records helps show the amount paid or required to be paid and supports the reasonableness of those charges when properly backed up by the billing records. The claim is typically handled through the insurance claim process first and, if needed, in North Carolina state court; medical bills and records are also commonly requested through the provider’s medical records/billing department using signed authorizations.

Key Requirements

• Complete documentation: The bill should show who the patient is, the provider, the date(s) of service, and the amount charged/owed so it can be matched to the correct treatment and account.
• Proof of what is actually owed or paid: Itemized charges, statements showing payments/adjustments, and any “amount due” page help clarify what remains outstanding and avoid double-counting.
• Connection to the injury claim: Bills are part of damages, but the case still needs medical proof tying the treatment to the incident; billing alone does not prove causation.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-58.1 (Medical and hospital charges as evidence) – Allows testimony about amounts paid or required to be paid for medical charges when supported by the records, and creates presumptions about reasonableness and necessity in certain circumstances.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The facts describe ongoing treatment and symptoms, plus a newly received hospital bill that arrived after mail forwarding. That bill should be sent to the law firm because it helps document medical expenses and lets the legal team track whether the bill is related to the injury treatment, whether it overlaps with prior statements, and whether any follow-up with the provider or insurer is needed. Because treatment is ongoing, additional bills may continue to arrive, so a consistent method of sending them helps keep the file accurate.

Process & Timing

1. Who sends it: The injured person (or a family member helping with paperwork). Where: To the law firm handling the North Carolina claim, using the firm’s preferred secure channel. What: A PDF or clear photos of (1) the summary page showing patient name, date(s) of service, account number, and balance; and (2) any itemized pages and payment/adjustment pages. When: As soon as the bill is received, especially before any settlement demand is prepared or updated.
2. Next step: The legal team typically logs the bill, checks whether it matches known treatment dates/providers, and compares it to prior statements to avoid duplicates. If the bill appears unrelated or unclear, the team may request an itemized statement or billing ledger from the provider.
3. Final step: The bill is included in the damages documentation used in negotiations and, if needed, in court filings and trial exhibits, along with supporting records that show what was paid or is still owed.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Duplicate or corrected bills: Hospitals often send revised statements after insurance processing; sending every version without labeling can create confusion. It helps to note “new,” “corrected,” or “past due” when forwarding.
• Missing key pages: A single page that shows only “amount due” without dates of service or account numbers can be hard to match to the right provider and treatment. Sending the first page plus itemization (if available) avoids delays.
• Privacy and security: Regular email or text can expose sensitive health information. A secure client portal, encrypted email, or another secure upload method is usually safer than unprotected channels.
• Assuming the bill proves everything: Billing supports the amount of medical expenses, but medical records are typically needed to show why the treatment was necessary and how it relates to the incident.

Conclusion

Yes—new hospital bills should be provided to the law firm handling the North Carolina claim because they help document medical expenses and keep the damages file accurate. North Carolina law allows medical charges to be supported through records and used as evidence of damages, but billing alone does not prove the treatment was caused by the incident. The next step is to send a clear copy of the full bill (including dates of service and account number) to the firm as soon as it is received.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney

If a new hospital bill arrived after a move or mail forwarding and the claim is still pending, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help organize the paperwork, track damages, and explain 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.