ESPANOL
Workers’ compensation cases are not the same as typical personal injury cases. Negotiations for workers’ compensation settlements may take time, depending on your case and situation. A workers’ compensation attorney can assist you in protecting your rights and provide legal advice to aid you throughout the entire claims process.
How Long Does It Take To Reach a Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
The entirety of the settlement process can take a few months, a year, or longer. When you file your initial claim can vary based on several factors. Things that can impact the timeline of your claim include the severity of your injury and the size of your claim.
Your lawyer will walk you through the entire process and do all they can to secure your benefits as soon as possible.
Negotiating a Workers’ Compensation Settlement
When you initially file your workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company might offer a small payment. This offer could include payment for medical bills. It may also be only a portion of what you are entitled to. You can accept the offer, but you will more likely want to get a settlement that will cover more damages.
To reach a settlement that works for you, you could negotiate. This can be intimidating and confusing, though, because legal jargon can be hard to understand. It is easy to get confused if you are unfamiliar with the situation.
In many cases, it is beneficial to have an attorney on your side. Our team can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Your attorney will speak with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery from your injury or accident.
How Your Workers’ Compensation Appeal Might Look
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can apply for an appeal hearing. Administrative judges will analyze your appeal. Be aware that an appeal will add a long wait period to your case. It can pay off to have your case looked at again, however.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help keep you updated and ensure things are on track to help you get your benefits. You are not alone when dealing with the legal proceedings of your compensation.
In many cases, insurance companies delay their responses. They do this hoping that you will accept a smaller claim to settle the case sooner. Do not fall into this trap. Get the workers’ compensation settlement you need with the help of a personal injury attorney.
What Your Lawyer Can Do To Help You
Workers’ compensation settlements can take months, even years, to conclude. With cases involving more severe injuries (and higher levels of damages), these larger settlements take longer because there is much more to calculate and review.
Every case is unique. So, the time to resolve your case may vary, given your situation. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can help provide clarity and insight on the details of the legal process. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can estimate how long your specific claim might take to settle.
Count on us to:
- Answer your questions
- Negotiate for your benefits
- Help file your appeal
- Gather and organize further evidence of your injury for your appeal
- Meet with you to talk about your case
- Keep you updated
- Advocate for you and your rights
- Explore all options available to you
How the Way You Were Injured Could Affect Your Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are not fault-based. So, it really does not matter who injured you, only that you are now unable to work in the same capacity as before. You might face any of the following situations:
- An injury will keep you out of work temporarily.
- An injury will keep you from doing your old job, but you can still work.
- An injury will keep you from returning to work at all.
- An injury will keep you from temporarily doing your old job.
The situation you face will affect how long you receive benefits. However, if your injury was your fault, like if you were intoxicated or roughhousing when you were injured, you might not be eligible for benefits. Your lawyer will fill you in on how your circumstances affect you securing benefits from either:
- The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
- The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission
Speak To a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Your Options
A free consultation is available to you at George Sink, P.A., Injury Lawyers. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you estimate the length of the settlement process and act as an intermediary in securing the damages you need.
Our attorneys can help you protect your legal rights and interests while focusing on healing and recovering. We serve injured South Carolina and Georgia residents. Call to speak to our staff today.