(562) 698-6446
Work-related injuries can create sudden financial and emotional strain. When you are hurt on the job in California, workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help you get back on your feet. However, when it comes time to settle your claim, many injured workers feel pressured to sign off on a settlement offer without fully understanding the long-term consequences.
Accepting a settlement too soon or without legal advice could leave you without the medical care, income replacement, or disability support you truly need. Before you agree to anything, it is essential to understand what is at stake and why experienced legal guidance is crucial.
Settlement Offers Often Favor the Insurance Company, Not the Injured Worker
When a workers’ compensation insurance carrier makes a settlement offer, its primary goal is to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. Insurance adjusters may present the settlement as a quick and fair solution, but these offers often undervalue the extent of your injury, future medical needs, or lost earning potential.
Many workers accept these offers without realizing that a settlement could permanently close their right to ongoing benefits. Once you take a lump sum or sign a compromise and release agreement, you may not be able to revisit the claim, even if your condition worsens or new complications arise. This is why it is so essential to work with an attorney who understands how to assess the actual value of your claim.
California Workers’ Compensation Settlements Can Be Complex and Binding
There are two primary types of settlements in California workers’ compensation cases: a Stipulated Findings and Award or a Compromise and Release. Each has different implications for your future benefits.
- A Stipulated Findings and Award may allow you to keep receiving medical treatment paid by the insurer.
- A Compromise and Release typically ends your right to future medical care related to the injury in exchange for a one-time lump sum payment.
Determining which option is right for you requires a careful review of your medical condition, prognosis, and work restrictions. Our experienced Whittier attorneys can help ensure that your settlement reflects not just your current needs but also your future care and financial stability.
Why Injured Workers in Whittier Benefit from Local Legal Support
California law protects injured employees, but it does not guarantee that insurance companies will treat you fairly. Our trusted workers’ compensation attorneys can evaluate the proposed settlement, identify any potential issues, and negotiate a more favorable outcome when necessary. We can also help you avoid mistakes that could reduce or eliminate your benefits, such as signing the wrong form or missing critical deadlines.
At Hanning & Sacchetto, we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions while recovering from a workplace injury. That is why we are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
If you are considering a workers’ compensation settlement in California, do not sign anything without talking to us first. Contact our Los Angeles County office at (562) 698-6446 or online for a complimentary consultation to explore your options and ensure your future is protected.