Workers’ Compensation Settlements in Fullerton
Going to work should not be dangerous in the 21st century, yet people still suffer serious injuries in workplace accidents. If you sustained harm while working, you may be eligible to pursue workers’ comp benefits.
Waiting to receive benefits can be frustrating, and some injured workers prefer to pursue workers’ compensation settlements in Fullerton instead. Our experienced local workers comp attorneys at CD Law can review the details of your claim to help you decide whether to seek a settlement.
How Do You Usually Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Under state law, all employers must provide injured workers with workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer a work-related injury or develop a job-related illness or medical condition. These benefits should cover your reasonable medical costs and a portion of your lost wages if you need to take time off from work to heal. If you sustained permanent injuries, you might also be eligible to pursue vocational retraining benefits to help you find another job or disability benefits if you cannot return to any form of work.
Medical Expenses
Your employer’s insurer would directly pay the appropriate medical provider for your medical expenses. This can include medications, physical therapy, and mobility-assistance devices.
Lost Wages and Disability Benefits
Most workers’ compensation insurers provide disability payments via check or direct deposit into a designated bank account every two weeks.
Our legal team in Fullerton can help you decide whether you should seek workers’ comp benefits through the regular process or a settlement.
Collecting Workers’ Comp Benefits by Settlement
If you suffered a serious workplace injury in Fullerton that requires extensive ongoing care, you might want to consider pursuing compensation through a settlement instead of biweekly payments. Waiting to receive your benefits can be challenging, particularly if you know you will need a new medical device or procedure.
In such instances, pursuing a settlement may be more practical and efficient. Fortunately, state law offers two types of workers’ compensation settlements.
One-Time Settlement
Some injured workers prefer to accept a one-time settlement, known as a compromise and release (C&R). With a C&R, you can gain control of your medical treatment and manage the payment of your medical expenses.
Choosing a C&R closes your workers’ comp case, so if you suddenly become sicker or your injuries worsen, you would not be able to seek additional money from your employer’s insurer. You should not pursue this option until your doctor believes that your condition is stable and unlikely to improve further.
Stipulated Award
If your injury or illness is degenerative and expected to worsen over time, you could pursue a stipulation with request for award. With this type of settlement, you would not need to completely close your case. A stipulated award would give you biweekly payments for your ongoing medical care.
Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating workers’ compensation settlements to ensure they are fair and appropriate.
Contact Us About Collecting Workers’ Comp Through a Settlement in Fullerton
Severe workplace injuries can be complicated and confusing. You might not know what to do. Fortunately, our attorneys at CD Law know how to pursue workers’ compensation settlements in Fullerton.
We can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of collecting regular benefits versus seeking a settlement. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to review your case.