Should I settle my case with the Insurance Company?
You should not settle directly with the insurance company without consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney. Most workers’ compensation attorneys will be willing to review a proposed settlement without charge to make sure that it is fair. All settlements are also reviewed for adequacy by a judge. Before settling, you need to make sure that: the permanent disability rating is correct; that you have been paid all the temporary disability owed to you; the temporary disability rate is correct; the future medical award includes all affected body parts; and that all impairments have been considered and evaluated, if appropriate. Workers compensation benefits are broad. You may be entitled to compensation for “compensable consequences” of your injury. Sometimes, a physical injury, or the medications taken for pain, can cause additional injury and disability. This can include: psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety; inability to sleep; and high blood pressure.
