Even in situations where a work-related injury or illness leaves someone permanently disabled, the vast majority of workers’ compensation claims in Missouri end with a settlement rather than indefinite weekly benefit payments. Accordingly, knowing how to approach the settlement process and what you should expect to get out of it can be vital to getting a positive result from your claim.
Workers’ compensation settlements in Pevely can be very straightforward in some situations and extremely complex in others. No matter what, though, support from an experienced workers’ comp attorney at OnderLaw will ensure your rights will be respected, and your best interests protected throughout every stage of the often-lengthy negotiation process. We are on your side and by your side every step of the way.
For the most part, workers’ compensation settlements in Pevely happen entirely outside the court system, as they are typically agreed upon between the injured or sick claimant and their employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider after private settlement negotiations. The agreement is usually a promise by the insurance company to provide a single lump-sum payment to the claimant, which is intended to cover all their losses related to their injury or illness. Once the claimant accepts the settlement, it permanently ends their workers’ comp claim, with no opportunity to appeal or negotiate further.
When the parties involved in this sort of discussion cannot reach an agreement, they can agree by mutual consent to participate in a dispute resolution process overseen by the state Division of Workers’ Compensation. This may involve a settlement conference with a workers’ compensation judge, who can offer their opinion based on available evidence and information about a fair settlement value.
Whether this dispute resolution process is used or not, no workers’ comp settlement can be finalized without first being approved by a state Workers’ Compensation Commission judge. It is worth noting, though, that these judges rarely reject settlements presented to them for approval unless they believe a serious procedural error or violation of state law occurred during settlement negotiations.
It is worth reiterating that settling a workers’ compensation claim in Pevely permanently and irreversibly ends that case, which means once you agree to a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more compensation if your condition worsens over time. For this reason, it is best to wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before even considering settling your claim.
It should also be noted that a typical workers’ comp settlement will only cover “reasonable” medical expenses, and what counts as “reasonable” can be subjective. This is one reason among many why having skilled legal representation can be crucial to achieving a favorable outcome to the settlement process. At OnderLaw, we are committed to helping you get the comprehensive payments you need to move forward with your life.
The prospect of permanently settling your workers’ comp claim can be intimidating, especially if you suffered a severe and debilitating injury. Fortunately, help is available from our knowledgeable legal professionals with a track record of getting positive results on behalf of people just like you.
When it comes to negotiating effectively for workers’ compensation settlements in Pevely, there is no substitute for support from a capable workers’ compensation lawyer at OnderLaw. Call today for a free consultation with one of our committed attorneys and get the dedicated legal representation you deserve.
