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

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.

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.