Worker’s compensation is a system designed to help workers who get hurt on the job. It provides benefits like medical care and wage replacement. Knowing how worker’s comp settlements work can make a big difference. It ensures you get what you deserve after an injury.
At Cantor Injury Law, we have years of experience helping injured workers. Our team knows the ins and outs of worker’s comp claims. We fight to get you the best possible outcome.
Understanding Worker’s Compensation Settlements
Worker’s compensation is there to support workers who are injured or become ill because of their job. The goal is to cover medical costs and lost wages, so you can focus on recovery.
Filing a worker’s comp claim involves several steps. First, report your injury to your employer. Then, seek medical attention and keep records of your treatment. Next, fill out a worker’s comp claim form and submit it. Your employer and their insurance company will review your claim.
Several factors affect the amount of your settlement. The severity of your injury plays a big role. The cost of your medical treatment is another key factor. Additionally, how much work you miss and the impact on your ability to work in the future are considered. All these elements come together to determine your settlement amount.
Worker’s Comp Settlement Example 1: $1,016,944
One day in March 2007, our client, Paula, felt a sharp pain in her lower back while lifting a box. It was immediate and severe. Her job involved heavy lifting, and she was in her mid-40s at the time.
Legal Process
Cantor Injury Law took on Paula’s case. We knew it would be tough. First, we gathered all her medical records. Paula had a lumbar laminectomy due to her injury. There were disputes about the medical bills. Who would pay? The case went before an administrative law judge in December 2008. The judge awarded Paula nearly $15,000 in past medical aid, temporary disability payments, and attorney’s fees. This was just the start.
Challenges arose when Paula’s benefits were terminated. Different doctors had different opinions. One said she was not yet at maximum medical improvement (MMI) and needed more treatment. Another disagreed. We argued that she still needed care and should continue to get temporary disability payments. The judge agreed with our assessment.
Settlement Details
Eventually, we secured a settlement for Paula. It was substantial. The total amount exceeded $1 million. Here’s the breakdown:
- $414,000 for medical benefits
- $170,000 for permanent partial disability
- $350,000 for future medical care
- Over $77,000 in temporary total disability payments
This settlement covered her past and future needs. It ensured she would continue to receive care for her ongoing pain.
Outcome and Impact
This settlement had a huge impact on Paula’s life. It provided the financial support she needed. She could focus on her recovery without worrying about medical bills. It also acknowledged the seriousness of her injury and its lasting effects.
Paula’s quality of life improved post-settlement. While she couldn’t return to her old job, she was able to find new ways to contribute and stay active. The financial security allowed her to explore other opportunities and maintain a sense of independence. This case shows the importance of having skilled legal representation. At Cantor Injury Law, we are committed to fighting for our client’s rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Read the full case study here.
Worker’s Comp Settlement Example 2: $966,960
Joan Alter’s story is a complex narrative of injury and its aftermath. A simple stumble turned her world upside down, disrupting her daily routines and activities. Her job, once a source of stability, became entangled in the events leading to her injury. It’s a stark reminder of the fine line between safety and danger in the workplace.
Legal Process
Navigating the legal terrain requires a strategic approach. Our team swiftly took action, maneuvering through negotiations and challenges. Each decision was calculated, and every move was made with precision. Despite the obstacles, we persisted, adapting our strategy to the evolving circumstances.
Settlement Details
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a significant settlement totaling $966,960 for our client, Joan Alter. This substantial compensation package reflects the severity of her injuries and the profound impact on her life. From a hidden protruding pipe to a devastating fall, Joan’s injuries, including a fractured right knee and a total shoulder replacement, were undeniable consequences of a dangerous condition of the property—a construction defect that altered her life irreversibly.
Joan’s pursuit of justice led to a successful liability suit against the responsible parties. Out of this legal battle, she received a substantial portion of the settlement, totaling $637,500, with the remaining sum contributed by another company involved. Additionally, Joan was awarded more than $216,960 in workers’ compensation, bringing the total settlement to $966,960.
To ensure our client’s full entitlement, we obtained a waiver of subrogation, sparing Joan from any obligation to return the workers’ compensation funds post-settlement. This strategic move closed the case definitively, safeguarding Joan against future medical or legal concerns.
Outcome and Impact
Following the settlement, Joan experienced a transformation—physically and emotionally. The weight of pain lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of freedom. Financial burdens eased, and aspirations reignited, breathing new life into dormant dreams. With our unwavering support, Joan faces the future with resilience, fortified by the promise of better days ahead.
Read the full case study here.
Worker’s Comp Settlement Example 3: $950,000 +
Case Overview
In the world of construction, danger is an ever-present companion. Our client, a seasoned worker, faced this reality head-on in a tragic accident at a bustling construction site. The incident left him with severe injuries, disrupting his life in an instant. From shattered bones to internal trauma, the toll was profound, highlighting the harsh realities of the job.
Our client’s background adds depth to the narrative—a skilled worker with years of experience in the industry. His dedication and expertise, once his pride, were now overshadowed by the adversity he faced—an unsettling reminder of the inherent risks of his profession.
Legal Process
Following the accident, our legal team embarked on a rigorous journey to navigate the complexities of the case. Through meticulous investigation and strategic planning, we sought to untangle the intricacies of liability. However, the road to justice was fraught with obstacles—legal challenges and bureaucratic hurdles threatened our progress.
Yet, with unwavering determination, we persisted, overcoming each barrier in our path. Through perseverance and strategic maneuvering, we carved a pathway toward resolution, determined to secure the compensation our client rightfully deserved.
Settlement Details
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a substantial settlement of $950,862, a reflection of the extent of our client’s suffering. This amount, meticulously calculated, aimed to address not only medical expenses but also rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other essential needs.
Each allocation was a crucial step in rebuilding shattered lives and offering closure in the face of hardship. It was more than just financial compensation; it was a vital part of our client’s journey toward healing and restoration.
Outcome and Impact
Following the settlement, our client embarked on a journey of recovery—a journey marked by resilience and determination. Each day brought him closer to reclaiming his former self, despite the lingering scars of the accident. Beyond the physical realm, the impact extended to his future prospects and rehabilitation progress.
As he navigates the road ahead, our client does so with a renewed sense of hope—a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. Though challenges may persist, his journey stands as a testament to the triumph of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
Read the full case study here.
