Work-related injuries can cause a variety of confusing questions. At Perkins Studdard, we want to help you navigate this confusing area.
Is it the right time to settle my case?
You’ve been injured on the job. With questions related to your health, your livelihood and the well-being of your family taking precedent, making a deal or decision with your employer might be premature. Sometimes, an adjuster will make an offer on behalf of the employer within days of the incident. While it might be tempting to accept, it’s risky to make a deal before you know the exact extent of your injury.
With Workers’ Compensation claims, patience is indeed a virtue. Once a case is settled, conditions are final. If a case settles without a definitive prognosis for the injured party, the resulting medical treatment can be affected. In short, know exactly what’s wrong before taking steps to make it right.
Talk to a doctor, work with an attorney and learn your options.
Are there unresolved issues in my case?
With Workers’ Compensation claims, the past is just as relevant as the future.
As mentioned in a previous post, even the smallest details matter when approaching a settlement. Factors such as unpaid benefits and previous negotiations should all be taken into consideration.
Often, an employer will calculate benefits to the injured, out-of-work party. It’s important to remember that this calculation is frequently on the low end of the spectrum. Remember, the settlement process is a negotiation between the two parties involved. This negotiation will have a major impact in terms of medical care and living expenses, so both parties must consider all past issues and exchanges when approaching a resolution.
As always, preparation is the name of the game.
Should I hire an attorney?
Workers’ Compensation litigation in Georgia is different from many others. It’s important to appreciate the difference when deciding whether or not to hire an attorney.
There are two vital considerations in regards to your settlement. First, it is final. Second, it will impact you for months or years to come. An attorney can examine your case to find the details you may have missed. It’s about covering your bases; an injury expert knows how to get the most out of a negotiation.
At Perkins Studdard, your attorney retains only 25% of your settlement. In our experience, 75% of the settlement obtained with an attorney eclipses 100% of the settlement obtained without one.
What can I expect from my attorney?
If your Georgia Workers’ Compensation claim is contested, it’s important to enter negotiations with realistic expectations for the outcome. An attorney is helpful in advising you on what is and what is not recoverable under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. We can help you understand what your case is worth while at the same time negotiating with the insurance company to make your settlement as favorable as possible given the particular circumstances of your case.
In a settlement scenario, there are a lot of unknowns. While an attorney who specializes in Georgia Workers’ Compensation claims can try to predict any obstacles or challenges, results depend on everything from a doctor’s testimony to the judge assigned to your case. Unfortunately, your case is not always about what really happened. It’s about what can be proven.
We are proud of our successful record of service to clients over the years. That said, our attorneys cannot guarantee a specific result. However, we can guarantee the effort, passion, and expertise we’ll bring to your case.
When considering your legal options, please remember that Perkins Studdard offers free consultations at any stage of the Workers’ Compensation process. To set one up, just call (770) 214-8885.
