When employees are injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits help lessen the burden they experience as they take time away from work to recover from their injuries. As long as the injuries occurred within the scope of one’s employment and did not involve willful misconduct, an injured worker would likely be eligible for receiving these benefits. However, while this might sound simple and straightforward, workers’ compensation law is often incredibly complex. If you were injured at work, it is imperative that you seek skilled and experienced legal guidance as soon as possible to ensure you are able to obtain the benefits you deserve.
Should I Settle?
In the context of a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to understand what it means for you to settle your case instead of receiving regularly scheduled ongoing benefits. Depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of injury you suffered and whether a full recovery is possible or not, a settlement might not be a wise choice. However, before making any decisions, it is crucial to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can properly estimate the value of your claim and, thus, determine if the settlement offer is enough to continue to assist you as you continue to recover. Making this decision on your own is not an easy thing to do, given all the factors involved. The last thing you want to do is put yourself at a disadvantage by accepting a low settlement offer.
The Pros and Cons of Settling
There are, of course, some advantages to settling a workers’ compensation claim. A settlement would guarantee you benefits without having to endure the risk of a trial, which would also save you time and unnecessary frustration and stress. Additionally, if there is a chance you might need other treatments or surgery, you can ask the insurance company to cover those costs in the lump sum. This means that you could potentially receive money from the insurance company for benefits you might never use.
That said, when you accept a settlement from the insurance company, you will essentially be giving up your right to future medical treatment if it turns out that you end up needing more medical care than you originally thought. Without any settlement money left, you could end up having to pay for continued medical treatment out of pocket if your health insurance does not cover it. Moreover, there is always a chance that you might spend too much of your settlement money right away, leaving you with no weekly payments to keep you afloat.
Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Sacramento
Were you injured at your place of work? You are likely entitled to receive important workers’ compensation benefits that can help get you through this difficult time. At Smolich and Smolich in Sacramento, our team of workers’ compensation attorneys in Sacramento is dedicated to representing injured workers and ensuring they are able to obtain the benefits they need. No matter where you are in the process, you can count on us to help you navigate it every step of the way.
Get started on your workers’ compensation case today and reach out to us at (916) 571-0400 to request a free initial case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.