I Have an Open Workers’ Compensation Claim That I Have Received a Settlement Offer for. What Happens if I Settle That Claim?

If you settle with your employer for any of your work-related injuries, then you could waive your right to seek additional compensation in the future. Therefore, it is critical that you seriously and thoughtfully consider any offer that your employer presents with a qualified attorney.

How Does Settling Work in Illinois Workers' Compensation Claims?

Illinois has a specific process for unwinding or settling workers' compensation claims. Generally, settlement refers to when private parties make an agreement to end a legal controversy. For Illinois workers' compensation claims, they are called Section 32 Agreements. What that means is that injured employee gets a one-time payment instead of ongoing reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and other relates charges due to the work-related incident. In many cases, settling with your employer will mean that you have no future right to any additional claims. This is important because you might have large and unexpected expenses in the future which you might have to pay yourself if you settle. Therefore, before accepting or signing anything, consult an Illinois workers' compensation lawyer to ensure the settlement is in your best interest.

What if I Don't Want to Settle?

Settling is just one option available to injured Illinois workers. They can also choose to file a claim and proceed through the arbitration process of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Alternatively, if employees find that process unsatisfactory, then they can remove the action to a court of law and proceed with a trial. Each of these routes poses different hurdles and it is important to meet and discuss their pros and cons with an experienced attorney. Also, outside of their intrinsic characteristics, you will also have priorities and it is important to understand how they will be affected by a settlement, claim, or trial.

Speak With Us if You Have any Other Workers' Comp Questions

The Illinois workers' compensation process can be confusing, abstract, and time-consuming. Therefore, it might seem more than attractive to seek an early exit if your company offers you a settlement. However, as discussed above, this comes with significant consequences. There are other issues that can pop up in the course of your claims process and each of them can fundamentally alter your ability to recover. To understand each of them in more detail, call our offices. Our attorneys specialize in protecting injured workers' rights. We fight for you so that you can focus on your recovery. Plus, Rosenfeld Workers' Compensation attorneys will provide a free case evaluation, with no obligation – simply complete the contact form or call us at 888-424-5757.

For additional information see the following pages:

• Can I be Fired For Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim?
• Can I Choose my Own Doctor to Treat my Work-Related Injury Under Illinois' Workers' Compensation Law?
• How Much Will It Cost me to Use an Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyer to Handle my Claim?
• I Was Hurt Over a Year Ago at Work But Never Filed a Claim. Is It Too Late to Receive Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits?
• What If I Was at Fault For my Work-Related Injury. Can I Still Get Workers' Compensation Benefits?
• What Kind of Benefits Can I Get When I File an Illinois Workers' Compensation Claim?
• What or Who is Covered Under The Workers' Compensation Laws of Illinois?
• What Should I do to Apply For Workers' Compensation Benefits If I Have Been Injured While Working at a Job or Factory In Illinois?
• When Should an Employee Seek The Help of an Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorney?
• Who is Responsible For Paying For Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits?