Should I also get any settlement or the Working Compensation Insurance would only pay for my medical bills?

Question

On my work-related injury that happened to my head and face, my case still open. Yet the hospital already sent me the bills during the treatment in E/R. Fortunately the Working Comp insurance adjuster said that the insurance will pay the bills, so I need to forward my med.bills to theirs.

The adjuster even recommends me go to the nearest Medical Doctors from the lists he faxed me (total of 10 pages of the local family practices near me).

However, though, my big concern is, would it be possible that I also can get some cash settlement.....at least to cover all of the extraordinary expenses related to my work injury? How long does it take [to get the final settlement] without a lawyer? Is the final settlement negotiable or just as it is?

Answer 1

You can always ask your adjuster for a possible settlement.  However if your still treating for your injury and you settle your claim you wave all your current medicals.  Some states allow you to settle your claim without waving future medical some states allow you to settle the claim and you lose your medicals.  You really need to ask your adjuster what happens if you where to settle, what would you lose and what could you gain.

Settlements are always negotiable and you can settle w/o a lawyer.  Once a settlement is done it takes about 30 days to get it approved.

Answer 2

Stop being so greedy, work comp is not a cash cow to reward you for being stupid enough to get hurt.  You only get a settlement if you are not able to return to work due to your injury.  Extraordinary expenses, that's a good one!!!!!   Most people do not realize that their greediness in getting a work comp settlement could even put small business out of business as their premiums go up so high they cannot pay.  It is not the insurance company that gets penalized it is the employer.

Answer 3

An attorney would only slow the process down.  Do you have a scar?  If so, then yes the Insurance will offer a settlement.  You can also talk to the adjuster about other bills.  If you aren't satisfied with the final offer from the insurance company, then you have the right to ask for a hearing with the Workers Compensation Labor Relations Board, which is state regulated, you can do a search for your state.  

If you got a lawyer they would take at least 33 1/3 of any settlement besides cost which is every time they call you, every stamp they use and other things so settlement is about 50% less.  You can do this yourself.  Your settlement would have to be approved by the Workers ComP in the state and they have guidelines for each injury.

Answer 4

What "extraordinary expenses" did you incur?  WC will pay the medical and temporary disability for your lost work time.  Sounds like you're just angling for free money.

Answer 5

What extraordinary expenses are you talking about???