Workplace accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. They can have many adverse consequences, including painful injuries, mounting healthcare expenses, and an inability to work. Confusion and worry set in while bills continue to pile up.
All organizations in California with one employee or more must offer workers’ comp benefits, but the process for obtaining compensation is often challenging. Many people who sustain injuries can resolve their claim via a worker’s compensation settlement. Settlements are expedited methods without all the hassle of attending hearings and resolving ongoing disagreements. Call a hard-working attorney experienced with workers’ compensation settlements in Glendale for more information. We are here to help you get the money you deserve.
California workers and insurance companies can decide to settle a workers’ compensation case at any time. However it is best to ask an expert if it is the right time.
At some point, the physician will provide a rating after determining their condition and tracking their improvement and healing. This is called the maximum medical improvement, or MMI. An MMI gives the injured person a solid understanding of the extent of their injuries and future treatment.
Once an MMI is obtained, there are two settlement methods the employee and the insurer may agree upon:
Stipulations with Request for Award is an agreement the parties reach where a Permanent disability percentage is agreed to. The percentage equals a dollar value that is disbursed in installments on a biweekly basis until the amount is fully paid. Medical treatment is open, meaning that the insurance must continue to pay for treatment of work injuries. The employee has five years from the date of injury to reopen the claim if injuries or conditions worsen.
After reaching an agreement in a Compromise and Release process, the injured party will receive a final lump sum payment. This includes money for the Permanent Disability and for estimated future medical treatment costs. The case will be closed completely, but the advantage is that the injured worker will control medical treatment.
If the worker and insurer are unable to settle, the next step is allowing a workers’ compensation judge to make the final decision and order. For more detail, reach out to us today. An attorney with experience in workers comp settlements in Glendale can help people injured in workplace accidents decide which option is best based on their situation.
An injured worker has the legal right to file an Application for Adjudication of Claim. An injured worker should report an injury immediately and ask for an application. Generally, the application must be filed within one year of knowledge of the injury. However, there are exceptions which is why it is important to contact an experienced attorney. A Glendale workers’ comp settlement attorney can help injured employees shoulder this burden and collect all required documents to submit for review.
When your injuries prevent you from returning to work for a period of time, you need to receive benefits as quickly as possible to stay afloat. However, many injured workers who attempt to handle the claims process without legal counsel find the process stressful. Delays or denials because of errors are common.
Fortunately, our team is seasoned in workers’ compensation settlements in Glendale and can save you time, inform you of your rights, and help you successfully collect all the benefits you are entitled to. If you sustained injuries on the job and wish to begin applying for workers’ comp—or if you have recently received a denial of benefits—call to schedule a consultation today.
