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3 Reasons You Should Never Rush a Workers Compensation Settlement

November 4, 2023

Getting injured on the job can make a dramatic change to your life. Not only will you go through the physical and emotional pain of an injury, but you will suddenly find yourself without an income. In some cases, you may feel the excitement when an insurance company offers you a settlement option, but you may not want to accept the money right away.

If you rush into a workers compensation claim, then you could miss on some potential benefits and sell yourself short. Learn some of the reasons why you should not rush your claim and ways that a legal team can help you get the worker's compensation settlement you deserve.

1. Fast Cash Versus Long-Term Financial Stability

A quick settlement may seem tempting with the amount of cash presented to you. When you are suddenly cut off from a regular paycheck, you have the opportunity to cash in on that settlement, but the amount of money you receive could go quickly. When you wait and show patience, your ultimate payout could end up being much higher.

As you wait for a proper settlement to fit your situation, you have the opportunity to seek other options. For example, you could set up an online fund to help raise support and funds for your everyday needs. You could reach out to family members for support and help build on the stability until you finally reach a settlement.

The difference could be life-changing and result in a settlement that fully covers your financial needs as you heal through an injury.

2. Future Injuries and Medical Needs

As you heal through initial injuries, you may never know what other kinds of ailments may pop up. For example, you could have a back injury that leads to movement problems in the future. You could need physical therapy or special adaptive equipment that you may not have needed right away. If you take a quick settlement, then those funds may not cover those needs.

With a full medical evaluation, doctors can supply detailed notes and showcase your diagnosis. With additional details and a full scope of your needs, you can seek a larger settlement and workers compensation under a completely different category.

For example, instead of an impairment rating, the extent of your injury could lead to a declaration of a permanent disability. With a permanent disability, you can collect more money and have the funds available to support your medical needs. Taking the time to go through the proper medical channels can make a big difference on your final outcome and settlement.

3. Legal Help and Challenges

If you take the first offer from an insurance company, then part of the agreement may close you off from any other settlements ever again. The inability to make claims or seek legal help could have a dramatic impact on the outcome of your case. If you take the extra time to seek proper workers compensation, then you will have the opportunity to consult with a lawyer.

A lawyer can look over your case and present challenges to the initial offer. For example, your initial offer may include reductions based on how the injury occurred. The reductions could possibly cut your settlement in half, and you will want legal help to prevent these dramatic losses.

Through the legal process, you can receive a maximum settlement and help make the most out of your workers compensation claim.

Contact us at Spooner & Perkins Attorneys at Law to set up a consultation appointment. Our professionals can look over your circumstances and help determine the best steps forward to help represent your case.

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If you've been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from your injury. However, navigating the workers' comp claim process can be confusing and overwhelming. That's why it's important to know when to call a lawyer for your workers' comp claim. In this blog post, we'll discuss the situations where it may be necessary to seek legal representation for your workers' comp claim. By understanding these scenarios, you can ensure that you receive the full benefits you're entitled to under the law. Denial of Your Claim One of the main reasons to call a lawyer for your workers' comp claim is if your claim has been denied. Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny valid claims to save money. If this happens, it's important to have an experienced workers' compensation lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights. They can review the details of your case and gather evidence to support your claim, making it difficult for the insurance company to deny you the benefits you deserve. Appealing a Decision If your initial claim is denied or if you feel that you're not receiving the full amount of benefits you're entitled to, you may need to appeal the decision. This process can be complex and time-consuming, but having a lawyer on your side can make it easier. They can handle all the legal aspects of your appeal and ensure that you have the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve. Pre-Existing Conditions If you have a pre-existing condition that has been aggravated by a work-related injury, it may be necessary to call a lawyer for your workers' comp claim. Insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions as an excuse to deny or limit benefits. However, with the help of a lawyer, you can prove that your current injury is directly related to your job and receive the full benefits you're entitled to. Disputes over Medical Treatment or Benefits In some cases, you may be involved in a dispute with your employer or the insurance company over the type of medical treatment you're receiving or the amount of benefits you're entitled to. This can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but with a lawyer by your side, you can have someone who knows the law on your side. They can fight for your rights and ensure that you receive proper medical care and fair compensation. Permanent Disability If your workplace injury has resulted in permanent disability, it's important to call a lawyer for your workers' comp claim. Permanent disability benefits are often complex and difficult to calculate, especially if there are future medical expenses involved. A lawyer can help determine the full extent of your disability and ensure that you receive the appropriate benefits to cover your needs. Employer Retaliation Unfortunately, some employers may retaliate against employees who file workers' comp claims. This can come in the form of demotions, pay cuts, or even termination. If you feel like your employer is treating you unfairly because of your claim, it's important to call a lawyer. They can protect your rights and help you take legal action against any form of retaliation. Navigating a workers' comp claim can be overwhelming, especially if it involves legal disputes and complex calculations. That's why it's important to know when it's time to call a lawyer for your workers' comp claim. If you find yourself in any of the situations mentioned above, it's best to seek legal representation from a qualified workers' compensation lawyer. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you feel overwhelmed or encounter any issues during your workers’ comp claim process. For more info, contact us at Spooner & Perkins, P.C.