- December 2, 2020
- Workers' Compensation
If you’ve ever filed a workers comp claim in Georgia before, you know that there are a lot of rules and restrictions. You can’t work while collecting workers’ comp benefits. You have to comply with all treatment recommendations. You need to stay in constant contact with your employer.
Because it can be so complicated, it’s a good idea to have an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Alpharetta handle your case. If you’ve been hurt, you need to focus on recovering from your injuries. The last thing you need to be doing is going back and forth with insurance adjusters.
Your workers’ comp lawyer in Atlanta is going to work hard to get you the benefits you deserve on your workers comp claim. They’ll also try to negotiate a settlement of your workers comp claim. While you can continue to receive benefits for months or years, that’s not ideal. Both you and your lawyer would rather have a lump sum settlement.
If your lawyer is able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf, that’s good news. Once your case is closed and you’ve received your settlement proceeds, you’re free to return to work. You just have to keep in mind – you can never go back after your old employer for more money.
Most People Return to Work After a Few Months
Most people who go on workers’ comp return to work just a few weeks or months later. They don’t have a workers comp claim that drags on for years. They go to the doctor, do their physical therapy, and are eager to return to work.
It’s one thing to be on vacation. When you’re out of work because you want to be, you can enjoy yourself. You can go on a trip or work at your house. You also get paid for your vacation. It’s not like that when you’re on workers’ comp.
If you receive workers’ comp benefits, you won’t be at home enjoying yourself. First, you’re only going to receive 2/3 of your weekly wages. Second, you’re going to be going to doctor’s appointments. The last thing this will feel like is a vacation.
Most employees look forward to returning to work. As soon as they’re physically ready to work full-time, they let their workers’ comp lawyer in Atlanta know. This way, they can communicate this to your employer and the insurance company.
You Don’t Want a Workers Comp Claim in Georgia That Lasts for Years on End
Nobody wants to be on workers’ comp for years on end. Even if your injuries are quite serious, you’re better off settling your workers comp claim in Georgia than sitting on workers’ comp. Most people can’t afford to live on 2/3 of their wages. It’s hard to pay your bills and feed your family on this kind of money.
Most people also want to work. They don’t want to be stuck on light duty or restriction. They want to get better and then get back to work. They just want to make sure they are paid replacement wages while they’re out of work.
At a certain point, it’s in your best interest to settle your case. Once your doctor says you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, something has to happen. Either they declare that you’re better and can return to work. Or, they determine that you’re permanently disabled and unable to return to work.
You have options. You can sit back and continue to collect weekly benefits for 400 weeks. Or, your Atlanta workers’ comp lawyer can negotiate a lump sum settlement for you.
Are There Disadvantages to a Lump Sum Settlement in a Workers Comp Claim?
For most people on workers’ comp, a lump sum settlement is a good thing. It lets them pay off some of the bills that accrued while they were out of work. It also allows them to move on with their lives.
The other good thing about a settlement is that it finally gives you closure. You don’t have to worry about people watching to see if you’re complying with treatment. You also have the chance to find a new job and get back into the working world.
The one drawback about a lump sum settlement is that you can never come back and ask for more money. However, even if you collected workers’ comp for 400 weeks, you still wouldn’t have this option.
Either way, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced workers’ comp lawyer about these issues right away. Call Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition and schedule your free initial consultation right away. And remember – you pay nothing until you settle your case.
