A legal claim against part of your settlement or judgment, usually by a healthcare provider or health insurance plan, to get reimbursed for medical treatment they paid or provided.

In a personal injury case:
Hospitals, doctors, health insurers, and government programs (like Medicare) may assert liens.

What to know:

• Liens must typically be paid from your settlement before you receive your share.

• Your attorney may be able to negotiate lien reductions in some situations.