In most states, workers who have suffered a debilitating work-related injury may be entitled to settle for a lump sum, rather than accepting weekly workers' comp payments. However, because accepting a settlement from your employer's insurer often means surrendering your right to collect compensation for future medical costs, this decision should never be made lightly. All too often, injured workers accept a settlement, only to find themselves unable to pay for continuing care when complications or further symptoms emerge.

A fair workers' comp settlement should include:

• Unpaid Temporary Disability: In some cases, the insurer may not have provided the proper amount of disability payments while you were recovering from your injuries. Your settlement should include missed payments, in addition to any penalties allowed by your state laws.
• Medical Expenses: While many workers' comp plans pay health care providers directly, you may have unpaid bills from care received before benefits began. Compile all of your expenses, including the cost of any medication, to ensure you're fully compensated for any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Future Medical Needs: Arriving at an estimate for future health care can be extremely difficult, due to the unpredictable nature of many injuries. The best way to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer is to work with an experienced workers' comp attorney who will work in conjunction with your health care provider to develop a clear picture of your future medical needs.
• Permanent Partial Disability: Part of the settlement process involves converting your impairment into a dollar figure representing your lost wages. Whether you're interested in a lump sum settlement or structured regular payments, consult with an experienced workers' comp lawyer who will work to represent your interests and protect your rights.

For over a quarter of a century, the Woodlawn Law Offices has provided the guidance injured workers throughout the O'Fallon, Missouri, area. Visit the website to learn more about their effective workers' comp services, or call (636) 240-6667 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.