The Benefits of Workers’ Compensation Settlements
If you are injured at work, no matter how minor of an injury, you may be entitled to recovery. In fact, you are likely entitled to a settlement for the injury. If you have been injured at work, call Black & Jones Attorneys at Law today at (815) 967-9000 for a free consultation.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
This is one of the most common workers’ compensation questions people ask, along with how compensation is paid out. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. The value of your case depends on the specific facts of your case, and no two cases are identical. Many things can make your case worth more or less than another person’s. It is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney representing you throughout your case so that you know how certain decisions will impact the value of your case because there are several things that can affect the value of your workers’ compensation settlement:
1. Medical Diagnosis & Treatment = The Biggest Factor
In general, the more significant the injury and the more extensive and invasive the treatment, the larger the potential value your case may have. But, your diagnosis and treatment don’t have to be earth-shattering to result in significant value. Some injuries can be relatively minor but result in significant permanent impairment like permanent work restrictions. If you are released from care with a permanent restriction, your case may be worth more than if you are released to return to work full duty.
2. Your Occupation
If you have a permanent restriction that prevents you from doing the job you were doing before the injury, that will increase the value of your case. If you can no longer work for the employer and have to find a different occupation, that can increase the settlement.
3. The Amount of Money You Were Being Paid Before Injury
Your average weekly wage before the injury plays a major role in the value of your compensation. And if you have to find new work within your restrictions and cannot earn as much money as you did before, that will greatly impact the amount of money you get for a settlement. Of course, if your injury is so severe that you are permanently and totally disabled, the value of your settlement will be significantly higher than if you are able to return to work full duty.
4. Other Key Factors
There are many other factors that can impact the value of your case:
- Age
- Electing to retire
- What your doctors note in records regarding your recovery and ongoing symptoms or functional impairments
- The type of work you were doing at the time of the injury
- And more
Rockford’s Trusted Attorneys
Because so many factors can impact the amount of your workers’ compensation settlement, you should consult with a trusted and experienced attorney early in your case. Decisions you make on treatment options and work options, among other things, will have direct impacts on your settlement. Being properly guided by an attorney throughout your case will ensure your case has the maximum value it can.
The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible. That’s why our attorneys’ job is to fight for the most money they can for you. If you have been injured on the job, call Black & Jones Attorneys at Law today or fill out the form here for a free consultation.