Did you suffer an accident on the job? If so, your workplace may be liable for any injuries resulting from that accident. But you may be unsure of how to secure the money you deserve, especially if you suffered multiple injuries. Here is everything you need to know about workers’ comp multiple injury settlements.
Filing a Claim
If you suffer an injury at work, you may file a workers’ compensation claim. When you file that claim, you need to prove that you were injured. But what happens when you have multiple injuries?
You still only file a single claim. However, you need to list all the injuries in your claim. And you also need to provide evidence of all those injuries.
Also Read: When to Expect Updates From Your Workers’ Comp Attorney
When Claimants Get Workers’ Comp Multiple Injury Settlements
Workers’ comp multiple injury settlements come late in the process. Before you can receive a settlement, your company’s insurer needs to review your case.
If left to its own devices, the insurance company may take weeks or months to fully review your case. And then it might make a decision you don’t like.
The more useful information and evidence you provide, the quicker the insurance company needs to act. Your lawyer knows how to get the gears moving quickly.
Often, once the insurance company has enough information, it will make a settlement offer. The offer may be larger if you suffered a lot of injuries, or if you suffered serious injuries. You only get money once you agree to an offer.
Determining Workers’ Comp Multiple Injury Settlements
Workers’ compensation insurance pays for:
- Lost income due to missing work
- Medical bills related to any injuries
- Disability benefits, if you are temporarily or permanently disabled by the injury
- Other short- and long-term expenses resulting from the injury
This is the reason that people with more injuries generally get more money. If you suffer multiple injuries, your medical bills will probably be higher, and you will likely miss more work.
Also, insurance companies measure disability by body part. Thus, if you lose a finger, for example, the insurance company may consider you 20% disabled. If you also have nerve damage in your other hand, the insurance company may consider that hand 50% disabled.
When the insurance company calculates your benefits, it combines these values. And sometimes injuries will combine in ways that are worse than additive value would suggest. In these cases, the insurance company may multiply the value of your claim by a factor of two or higher.
Also Read: How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
When the Insurance Company Undervalues Your Claim
Your personal injury lawyer understands these ratings as well as the insurance company does. And they won’t accept a low-value settlement when your injuries demand more money.
A lawyer can help you appeal an insurance company’s decision, negotiate for a fair settlement, or take the insurance company to court. Most insurance companies prefer not to pay for a trial lawyer because they are expensive. So, if you hire a lawyer to fight for your case, the insurance company may be more likely to settle for a fair value.
Contact The Joel Bieber Firm for Workers’ Compensation Claims
The seasoned team at The Joel Bieber Firm has decades of experience handling complicated workers’ compensation claims. We can help you file your claim and get the most money possible after you suffer multiple injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled attorney.
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