First, it’s important to know about the two types of settlements in Workers Compensation claims.
One type is a Stipulation. With a Stipulation, an injured worker receives an award of permanent disability payments based on a rating but also keeps the right to seek additional medical care in the future. In other words, the worker will be able to get more medical treatment covered if deemed reasonable and necessary through the Workers Compensation system.
Some people don’t like getting treatment thru Workers Compensation and want to procure their own treatment. They may be able to settle through a Compromise and Release (C&R). In a C&R, the worker agrees to settle their entire claim—including their right to seek additional medical treatment in the future. The C&R ends the case as the worker isn’t entitled to further treatment. It is very important to understand the cost of future medical needs to make sure a worker receives an adequate settlement amount from the C&R. Some of these settlements can be close to $1,000,000 depending on expected future medical needs.
Ask me for more details: brett@brettpetersonlaw.com