If you recently got hurt at work, you’re probably wondering how much money you’ll end up receiving in your settlement. The truth is that this can depend on a wide range of factors. No two workers’ compensation cases are the same. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that will affect your settlement:
The Type of Injury
The type of injury you suffered at work will have a big impact on the settlement amount you receive. The more severe your injury is, the more compensation you are entitled to. If your injury, for example, is so severe that it doesn’t allow you to come back to work, it will be valued higher.
Medical Treatments
The medical treatments required to treat your injury will also have an effect on how much your case is worth. If you need surgery for your injury, for instance, your case will likely be valued higher. If you require physical therapy for a while, that can also increase your settlement amount.
Future Medical Problems
If you suffer a work injury that could cause you to experience additional health issue in the future, you may get a higher settlement amount. For example, if you broke your leg in several places and it could affect the way you walk in the future, the value of your case may get higher.
The Lawyer Your Hire
It’s important to hire the right workers’ compensation lawyer to handle your case. Your lawyer should have years of experience with workers’ compensation cases and a positive track record. If the lawyer you work with has very little experience, you might not recover as much compensation as you want.
Medical Evidence
The medical records that document your injuries and treatment will impact the value of your workers’ compensation claim. If the medical evidence is unconvincing, it may be difficult to prove the severity of your injuries. That’s why it’s important to work with a doctor you trust. If you believe that the insurance company’s doctor isn’t being fair with your injuries, you should consider getting your own doctor for a second opinion.
The Judge
While most judges tend to be fair, some are more likely to side with the insurance company than others. Your workers’ compensation lawyer should know which way a particular judge leans and give you an idea of how much of a settlement you should expect to get.
As you can see, there are so many factors that can affect your workers’ compensation settlement. While this all may seem overwhelming right now, it’s important to stay calm and keep moving forward. A skilled Milwaukee work injury lawyer may help you file your claim on time and fight hard to help you get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can speak to the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Schedule a free consultation with a lawyer today to discuss the details of your case.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Hickey & Turim for their insight into workplace injuries and factors for compensation.