Having an accepted workers’ compensation claim can be a long process. Not only are you getting paid less than your average weekly wage, but you also may not have a say in selecting which doctor is working with you. Some workers’ compensation cases go on for years through surgeries, rehabilitation, and vocational rehabilitation. Tippens & Zurosky is here to fight for you.
A workers’ compensation case can settle one of two ways. You can settle on what is called an open agreement, referring to you not closing out your right to future medical care paid for by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, or your employer. You can also settle on what is called a clincher, or compromise settlement agreement. These full and final agreements will typically compensate you for a higher sum than an open agreement because you are waiving your right to future medical care, and sometimes weekly indemnity payments.
So, which way of settling your workers’ compensation case is
best? There is not an easy answer
to this question as no workers’ compensation case is exactly the same. If you had the type of injury where you
returned to work with your employer relatively quickly, then an open agreement
is usually done. The decision to clincher, or fully and finally settle your
workers’ compensation case is often a complicated one. You may not know what future medical
treatment you are going to need. Many workers’ compensation insurance
companies would rather offer a lump sum than stay on the hook for your medical
care in the future.
