Understand the ramifications of a Connecticut workers’ compensation settlement.
While there are several advantages to resolving your workers’ compensation case, you will most certainly be foregoing important rights. Because settlements are typically final, you should contact with a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney before signing any agreements. (To find out how much this might cost you, see our page on lawyers’ fees in workers’ compensation claims.)
In this section, we will define settlements and explain how they are granted in Connecticut.
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What Exactly Is a Workers’ Comp Settlement?
A settlement is a method of resolving your workers’ compensation case without holding a formal hearing. In general, the worker agrees to give up certain rights in return for a quantity of money agreed upon with the insurance provider. The settlement amount is determined by the severity of your condition, your capacity to work, and your pre-injury income. Conflicting evidence in your case, such as whether your injury was work-related or if you are permanently incapacitated, will also affect the settlement value of your claim.
See our page on Connecticut workers’ compensation benefits for an idea of how much you could be entitled to. However, the settlement value of a claim is determined by a variety of criteria that can only be assessed by a workers’ compensation lawyer experienced with your situation.
Stipulation: Final and Complete Settlement
A “stipulation” is a complete and final settlement of a workers’ compensation lawsuit in Connecticut. In this sort of agreement, you agree to settle our workers’ compensation case in return for a monetary payment. Payments are normally paid in one lump payment, although they may also be spread out over time (for example, every month or year).
A stipulation may oblige you to give up all rights to future benefits in specific situations. In other situations, the insurance company may agree to waive some rights, such as the entitlement to future medical treatment. The specifics are usually left to you and the insurance provider. One exception applies: you cannot be forced to forgo your entitlement to vocational rehabilitation services.
Because stipulations are final, you cannot change your mind and reopen your case if your health worsens after the settlement. As a result, consider twice before agreeing to a requirement.
Agreement made voluntarily
When the insurance company accepts your claim and agrees that you are awarded a set amount in workers’ compensation payments, you enter into a voluntary agreement. A voluntary agreement does not end your workers’ compensation lawsuit. You will continue to receive weekly benefits based on the agreed-upon amount, and you will be able to seek medical care via workers’ compensation. In addition, if your illness worsens, you may apply for further benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Commission approval
The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission must approve both requirements and voluntary agreements. The insurance firm will complete the Voluntary Agreement form and deliver it to you for signing before submitting it to the Commission for approval. There will be no hearings in this procedure.
Stipulations, on the other hand, usually necessitate a commission approval hearing. For your study and signing, the insurance company will generate a formal stipulation agreement. You will also be required to sign an acknowledgment document known as a Stipulation and What It Means.
The paperwork will be sent to the commissioner, and a hearing to approve the settlement will be arranged. A workers’ compensation judge will interrogate you about the settlement, your medical condition, your income, and other topics during the hearing. If the settlement seems to be in your best interests, the court will approve it.
When Will I Receive My Paycheck?
You must obtain money owed under a stipulation or voluntary arrangement under Connecticut workers’ compensation regulations within 20 days. If you do not, you will be charged a 20% penalty for each late payment.