After a serious accident on the job, Pennsylvania law generally provides injured workers with an avenue to pursue benefit payments. If an employee’s work injuries have made it impossible for them to work, they may be able to receive periodic payments from their employer’s insurance company. However, in some circumstances, it may be more beneficial for a worker to accept a lump sum payment in settlement for their injuries.
If you suffered harm because of your job, you should discuss your situation with a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer with experience handling workers’ compensation settlements in Levittown could help you determine the best strategy for your situation.
Many injured workers choose to accept settlements instead of relying on weekly payments because they no longer want the hassle of dealing with the insurance company. There are several ways that an injured worker could receive their settlement money.
Lump sum settlements are one-time payments of all of an employee’s workers’ compensation benefits. These settlements give injured employees direct control over their money. With a lump sum settlement, injured workers obtain access to all of their benefit money upfront and can choose how to invest it instead of having to wait for individual payments. In some situations, injured workers may be able to obtain more money in upfront settlements.
Some employees may be worried about managing large payments or may have concerns about long-term care. If they are still interested in settling upfront with their employer and their insurance company, a structured settlement might be a better option. With a structured settlement, an injured worker could spread the money out over a certain period of time.
People in Pennsylvania often refer to workers’ compensation settlements as compromise and release agreements. This is because in exchange for a lump sum, an injured worker gives up their right to all remaining workers’ compensation benefits.
Some workers may hesitate to accept a settlement if they fear that the money may not cover all of their future medical care. If a worker accepts a settlement, they are prohibited from going back to the insurer to ask for more money in the future, even if they need more medical care. Most Pennsylvania settlement agreements do not include coverage for future medical care.
After a settlement, the employer’s insurance company is no longer responsible for paying for any future medical treatment. As such, an employee should discuss their injuries with a skilled attorney to determine the best strategy for their situation. Additionally, a worker should consult with their doctor to evaluate the likelihood of their injuries worsening over time. If a worker may need extensive follow-up care, such as surgeries or rehabilitation, accepting a lump sum settlement may be an unwise decision.
Before agreeing to a settlement, meet with an experienced lawyer who could review the proposed agreement and offer useful legal advice. A dedicated attorney would analyze the settlement to ensure that it is fair and, if necessary, negotiate to improve the terms.
Sometimes, it is in an injured worker’s best interest to accept a settlement from their employer’s insurance company. Accepting a settlement can provide an injured worker with financial security and save them the hassle of dealing with the insurance company. However, this decision may not be beneficial in every case, so it is important to consult a legal advisor who focuses on workers’ compensation settlements in Levittown. Call our firm today to set up a consultation.
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