
Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can assist with providing more details for an initial settlement offer in workers' comp cases. Starting in the Kansas City Metro Area since 1990, our attorneys have consistently delivered outstanding legal services for personal injury cases like car, truck, motorcycle and train accidents as well as nursing home neglect/abuse cases.
This article will outline how workers' compensation first settlement works and assess whether accepting an initial offer would be the right move.
How Do Workers' Comp First Settlement Claims Work?
Workers' compensation provides financial support to workers injured on the job and is typically administered in various phases, with first settlement offers generally holding more weight.
Your employer's insurer will present an initial offer to settle your claim, typically after having it evaluated by a doctor with all expenses and damages calculated. They hope you accept their lump-sum offer instead of initiating legal proceedings that could last longer.
Should I Accept My Workers' Comp Settlement Offer?
Short answer? Probably no. Accepting offers may be tempting, but this may not always serve your best interest - here's why:
- The Offer Might Be Too Low
- You Might Need Future Medical Care
- You're Entitled to More
What Are The Consequences If I Fail To Report An Injury Promptly?
If you do not report your injury to your employer immediately it could result in complications and may have your claim denied. Each state has an official reporting deadline - typically within days to weeks following an accident occurrence.
Insurance companies could challenge your claim if you fail to report incidents within the specified deadline, arguing it had no connection with work and that seeking assistance was negligent on your part.
Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?
Personal injury attorneys can be invaluable when filing workers' compensation claims, for several reasons:
- Legal Expertise
- Maximizing Compensation
- Handling Complexities
- Ensuring Fair Treatment
When Should An Attorney Be Hired?
Consult an attorney to effectively manage and file your claim. Personal injury attorneys specialize in collecting all the relevant documentation, filing claims correctly and managing every aspect of a case to completion.
If you already received an offer and need advice about whether it is fair, an attorney can still assist in reviewing it to assess whether accepting would be wiser or trying to negotiate better terms.
What Are The Criteria To Find A Good Attorney?
- Expertise: Choose a personal injury attorney with experience handling workers' comp settlement offers.
- Local Knowledge: Hire an attorney expert with workers' compensation laws in your state for optimal benefits
- Communication: Hire an attorney who has outstanding communicative abilities and can clearly outline the legal process.
Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?
Bautista LeRoy Law Firm specializes in personal injury law to assist injured parties in pursuing just compensation. We recognize the significance of providing each client with personalized assistance in their case and strive to give each case our full consideration.
Transparency, communication and achieving positive outcomes for our clients are the core of everything we do. If you require help making decisions or have questions regarding settlement offers made during negotiations, let us assist.
Suggested Action Steps
- Report any workplace injuries immediately to your employer and seek medical care.
- Before accepting any settlement offer, consult a personal injury attorney first so your rights are protected.
- Take time to assess both current and potential future injuries, before accepting settlement offers.
- When faced with an unfair settlement offer, an attorney could assist with negotiations toward more favorable terms.
Understanding and making smart decisions regarding workers' comp settlement are the keys if you hope to receive adequate compensation. Do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from an attorney during this process. Contact us today at 816-221-0382 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.
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