Workmans Comp - what should my sister expect?

Question

My sister was hurt on the job, 8 months ago. She was lifting something heavy and twisted her ankle. There is soft tissue damage that her employers Doc said surgery wouldn't help - but told her/employer that she has a lifetime limitation of no lifting over 20 lbs. He employer (a large retail store) three months after that - notified her yesterday that they decided there was "no job for anyone who couldn't lift 20 lbs" and they told her they were giving her a "leave" and she would eventually be offered a "settlement".

How does she survive in the meantime? Unemployment or disability?

What type of settlement should she expect? Will hiring an attorney take away from her settlement or add to it?

Answer 1

She should be receiving workmen's compensation because of the work related injury.  I would get an attorney immediately if she is not receiving this.

I was injured 8 years ago and deemed disabled.  They fired me because I could not do the job, and luckily I was able to get SSD to survive.  I got it first time I tried.  Most are not as lucky.

The attorney will take 20%, plus costs, from whatever she is able to win.  But she really does need to do this to protect herself.

I am still awaiting a settlement in this.