Scranton Workers’ Compensation Settlement Lawyer
One of the most complicated elements of a workers’ compensation claim is reaching a settlement agreement with the workers’ compensation claims insurer. Fortunately, most claims doend in settlement, although it’s important to know that if a settlement cannot be reached, settlement is not your only option.
At the law office of Haggerty Hinton & Cosgrove LLP, our Scranton workers’ compensation settlement lawyers can help you to understand the different elements of a workers’ compensation settlement, how to negotiate your settlement, and what happens if a settlement cannot be reached. Call us today to learn how we can assist you.
What Is a Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
A workers’ compensation settlement, or a “compromise and release agreement” as it’s called in Pennsylvania, is an agreement between an injured worker and a workers’ compensation insurer. The agreement typically stipulates that in exchange for a sum of money, the worker will give up their right to pursue further damages. Once a settlement agreement is reached and both parties sign, the case is over.
There are two basic types of settlements agreement formats: lump-sum payments and structured settlement payments. In a lump-sum payment format, an injured worker will receive one sum of money upfront, and will be unable to recover further damages after the lump sum is paid. Structured settlements, on the other hand, refer to agreements where the total value of the settlement is paid to the worker over time.
Reaching a Workers’ Compensation Settlement
You have the right to negotiate your workers’ compensation settlement until you reach an agreement that you believe to be fair, and that fully compensates you. After you and the insurer have reached an agreement, the compromise and release agreement must be presented at a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. Typically, the judge will approve the settlement.
Of course, reaching a settlement through negotiations alone is not always possible. If your workers’ compensation case is disputed, the case will be handled by a workers’ compensation judge within the Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. A petition to have your case heard by a workers’ compensation judge can be filed online or through mail. Mediation during the process is mandatory – if mediation is unsuccessful, parties can opt for other alternative dispute resolution tactics at another point during the process.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation settlement, working with a lawyer is strongly recommended. One of the biggest benefits of working with a workers’ compensation settlement lawyer is that your lawyer can represent you during negotiations, helping to ensure that you get a fair settlement. Your attorney can also guide you through all the legal steps that are necessary to take if your claim is disputed, you cannot reach a settlement, you must attend a hearing, etc.
Call Our Law Office Today
To schedule a consultation with our talented Scranton workers’ compensation settlement lawyers at the law office of Haggerty Hinton & Cosgrove LLP, please reach out to us by phone or online today. We are passionate about helping injured workers in our state.
