Settlements for San Diego Workers' Comp Claims

In regard to workers' compensation, a settlement is an amount of money that an injured worker receives from the insurance company or employer for on-the-job injuries. This may be a relatively small amount or may be significant, depending on the extent of injury and impact this injury will have on the injured worker's life. Most workers' compensation claims involve only minor injury and are resolved without dispute. In cases involving serious injuries and temporary or permanent disability, however, reaching an agreement may be more difficult.

Even in the event of a disputed workers' compensation claim, there are two main types of settlements that may be reached:

Compromise and Release - a lump sum of money is paid to the injured worker, releasing the worker's claim to any future benefits. This is most often employed when the injured worker no longer is employed at the company where the injury occurred.

Stipulated Finding and Award - both parties agree upon a settlement amount and the same terms in regard to this settlement. This agreement has the same effect of a judge's decision and must be held to by both parties.

When a settlement is reached, the judge will review the related documents to ensure the settlement is reasonable - then authorizing the settlement if everything is alright.

Consult a San Diego Workers Compensation Attorney

In California, workers' compensation benefits are not administered by a government agency. They are handled by private parties: either insurance companies authorized to handle workers' compensation benefits or employers secure enough to insure their own workers' compensation liability. The government's role in workers' compensation claims is to oversee the payment of workers' compensation benefits, offer parties involved in the process information and assistance as needed, and to resolve any disputes that may arise. As a result, it is important that you consider involving an attorney to represent your interests and assist you in any negotiations or litigation that may arise in attempting to reach a settlement.

Contact a San Diego workers' comp lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group today to discuss reaching a settlement for your claim.