Will Workers’ Comp Offer a Settlement Without a Lawyer?
All employees are at risk of suffering work-related illnesses or injuries. Whether you’re working on a construction site or at an office, accidents do happen. If you have been injured on the job, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical bills and lost income. But if you are wondering whether workers’ comp will offer a settlement without a lawyer, the answer isn’t so simple. While you can technically receive a settlement without legal representation, handling your workers’ compensation claim alone could jeopardize the outcome of your case.
Understanding Workers’ Comp Settlements
A workers’ comp settlement is an agreement between you and the employer’s insurance company. It’s intended to cover costs such as medical treatment, lost wages, and, in some cases, permanent disability. While recovering compensation may sound as easy as reporting the injury and receiving a settlement, it is not that straightforward. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing their payouts, which can lead to settlements that don’t fully address your needs.
Will Workers’ Comp Offer a Settlement Without a Lawyer?
The short answer is yes. Many workers’ compensation insurance providers are willing to settle claims directly with injured employees. However, these offers are often designed to close cases quickly and at the lowest possible cost to the insurer. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you might unknowingly accept an offer that leaves money on the table or doesn’t account for future medical or financial needs.
The Risks of Settling Without a Lawyer
If you choose to handle the settlement negotiations alone, you may be exposing yourself to awful risks, including the following:
- Low Ball Offers
Insurance companies aim to save money, meaning the initial settlement offer often doesn’t reflect the full scope of your injury-related expenses. They may try to settle your case quickly, especially if they think they can avoid covering the costs of a prolonged recovery. However, it’s critical to wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before agreeing to any settlement.
- Legal Complexities
Workers’ comp claims often involve strict deadlines and procedures. If your claim is improperly filed or you miss deadlines, you may jeopardize your claim.
- Waiving Future Rights
When you agree to a settlement, you often waive the right to seek additional compensation for your injury in the future. This could leave you struggling to cover unexpected medical expenses or significant income loss.
Why You Should Consider Working With an Attorney
Working with an attorney for your workers’ comp claim has many benefits, including the following:
- i) Higher Likelihood of Success
A workers’ compensation lawyer understands the intricacies of the system. They know how to build a strong case, gather compelling evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurers, significantly increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
- ii) Accurate Claim Valuation
Determining the full value of your claim requires expertise, and a skilled attorney can calculate all current and future costs related to your injury, ensuring you’re not shortchanged.
iii) Navigating Complex Claims
If your claim involves severe injuries, employer disputes, or questions about whether the injury was job-related, an attorney’s experience can be invaluable.
- iv) Legal Advocacy and Support
An attorney can advocate for your rights at every stage so you can focus on your healing.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you have a workers’ comp claim, contact our skilled Vermont workplace injury lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000, who can help ensure your settlement fully reflects your injuries and losses.
https://vtmd.org/understanding-workers-compensation-part-ii-vermonts-workers-compensation-statutes-rules-and-legal-precedents
