Some injuries are so severe that they can lead to injuries that affect multiple body parts. These injuries are costly for workers' compensation insurance providers to cover. Therefore, workers who sustain these injuries might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. The insurance provider might choose to compensate the worker through a single settlement. If the insurance provider offers you a settlement, it's necessary to consult with a workers' compensation attorney before proceeding.
How a Workers' Compensation Claim Works
After you have sustained an injury at work, you will be entitled to compensation from your employer. You cannot sue your employer directly under most circumstances, but you can file a claim with their workers' compensation insurance provider.
Workers' Compensation Is Mandatory
All states require that employers carry workers' compensation insurance if they have enough employees working for them. The insurance covers injuries sustained at work. Therefore, when filing a claim, you must prove that your injuries occurred at work.
However, the more severe your injuries, the larger the settlement you should receive. The insurance provider will begin paying for your medical bills and replace some of your lost wages.
Why You Need a Large Settlement
If you have suffered from multiple injuries during an accident, it's unlikely that you will fully recover, and you may need more money in compensation to pay for your long-term care.
Why the Claims Adjuster Might Prefer a Settlement
Instead of receiving regular payments, the insurance provider might offer a settlement. The insurer will pay a lump sum for all your injuries and lost wages. If you later discover that you have more medical bills and the settlement is not large enough to cover them, you cannot ask for more money because you will sign a waiver preventing you from doing so when agreeing to the settlement.
Why You Should Speak With an Attorney
Knowing how large your settlement should be is difficult because each medical situation differs. Therefore, consult a workers' compensation attorney before agreeing to a settlement.
Your attorney will help you calculate how much your settlement should be worth based on your medical records, your projected future earnings, and the attorney's experience with similar cases. They might also consult with an expert witness who can testify to the amount a financial expert would expect you to earn if you weren't injured.
The insurance provider might not agree to a more significant settlement amount, but your attorney will negotiate with them and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact a local law firm, such as Neifert Byrne & Ozga, to learn more.