Workers’ Compensation Settlements in Pennsylvania
Many injured workers in Pennsylvania settle their cases for a lump sum that is negotiated with the Employer, Insurer, or Third Party Administrator. Michael Cardamone is highly experienced in maximizing settlements for injured workers in Pennsylvania- having netted tens of millions in wage loss and medical benefits for his clients since 1999.
What happens at a Pennsylvania Worker Comp Settlement? The injured worker meets with his or her attorney to go over the settlement agreement, called a Compromise and Release. The papers are signed. The parties wait around for the Judge to call their case. Once called, the injured worker testifies. The lawyer will ask simple questions about the terms of the agreement. The hearing itself does not last very long. Each Judge has their own style, but the agreements are approved and the hearings go off without much commotion.
How Does Settlement Work in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Cases?
Settlement in Pennsylvania work comp is an agreement by the parties to end a case in exchange for a lump sum payment. The parties involved are a claimant- the injured worker, and the employer and its insurance company or third party administrator (which is like an insurance company but it does not spend its own money). Usually, the injured worker, or his or her attorney (it is recommended to use an attorney as settlement can involve many complex issues) makes a “demand” for settlement. The insurer/employer then makes an initial offer and negotiations continue. Once an agreement is reached, the parties must have the settlement codified in what’s called a Compromise & Release Agreement and the settlement must be approved before a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation judge at a hearing on the record. Some settlements, which are not global (ie, that simply resolve an issue in the case) can be submitted to a work comp judge in what’s called a Stipulation. In these situations, at least one aspect of the case remains open so that the case continues.
How Much Money Should I Expect From a Pennsylvania Workers Comp Settlement?
The answer depends on many factors. It is recommended that you consider speaking with an experienced and Certified PA work comp lawyer to evaluate the factors in your case. Some of the factors include the extent of disability, the pre-injury average weekly wage, the age of the injured worker, the residual earning power of the injured worker, the amount of years the injured worker has been receiving benefits, whether there is litigation pending, and whether there exists an Independent Medical Exam which offers an opinion different than that of the treating physician, whether Medicare needs to approve the settlement, etc. Settlements in Pennsylvania for workers’ compensation can vary considerably but the vast majority of settlements are under $250,000.00. Pain and suffering is NOT an available benefit in PA workers’ comp. Some cases settled for $500 and some settle for $500,000. Every case is different. Injured workers should avoid comparing their case to a neighbor’s or co-workers. Remember, if there is litigation pending, it often means that there are doctors with different opinions. While settlement is not mandatory, it is always wise to explore settlement because the Judge is often confronted with opposing medical or factual evidence which he or she has to resolve, leaving one party with a victory and one with a defeat. Even if you believe your case is a strong one, nothing is guaranteed in litigation.
How Can You Tell if Your Workers’ Comp Settlement Offer is Fair?
Let us review your case and we’ll advise. All we do is Work Comp so we’ll figure out, based on the facts of your case, whether any offer is fair. There are so many things to consider- the average weekly wage of the injured worker, their age, their education level, their level of disability, whether surgery is needed, whether restrictions are permanent, what vocational skills you have that are transferrable to the work place, and many more factors. Be careful not to compare your case to someone else’s. This is very common- “well my co-worker got $250,000 for his settlement and my injury is worse”. Well, do you really know their level of disability? What was his/her comp rate? How far did they get in school? Was the case in litigation whereby his/her checks were being threatened because an IME doctor is claiming a “full recovery”? What job skills and intellect do they possess? The last thing you should do is compare your case to another’s. Simply put, it’s a waste of your time.
Can I Ask For a Mediation to Help Settle My Pennsylvania Work Comp Case?
Yes. In fact, in most cases, a mandatory mediation is now scheduled after the first hearing if there is litigation. Even if no litigation is pending, the parties can agree to a voluntary mediation where they agree to use a certain judge as the mediator. No one, not even a judge, can force an injured worker to settle. They, along with the attorney, simply provide their opinions and recommendations.
When Should I Expect to Be Paid After a Pennsylvania Work Comp Settlement?
Once the Pennsylvania workers comp judge approves the Compromise & Release Agreement, he or she will issue an order approving it. Once the order is entered, the employer/insurer/TPA has a maximum of thirty days in which to make the payments. This is assuming the parties waive the twenty day appeal period at the Compromise and Release Hearing. Note that some PA workers’ compensation settlements keep medical benefits open for a period of time- or indefinitely. However, even with open medical, the insurer/employer is able to file Utilization Review which is a process to determine if certain treatment is “reasonable and necessary”. Regardless of the Utilization Review Determination, each party has a right to challenge the initial determination by filing what’s called a Petition to Review which puts the case before a PA work comp judge “de novo”, which means that the Judge can make his or her own decision as to whether the treatment is reasonable and necessary.
What Happens if My PA Work Comp Settlement Money is Not Paid on Time?
You can file a Penalty Petition seeking additional money for the late payment(s). The workers’ compensation judge has discretion to award up to 50% of the amount in controversy. A 50% penalty, however, is rare. The amount of the penalty generally depends on how late the settlement money was paid, whether there was an adequate explanation for the late payment, etc. Having practiced in PA workers’ compensation law for many years, I can say it is pretty infrequent that the employer or insurer doesn’t pay the proceeds timely. Employers and insurers don’t like Penalty Petitions.
How Michael Can Help with a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania
Michael’s expertise with Pennsylvania Work Comp Settlements has resulted in a CLE Course, taught by him, for other lawyers to utilize, called “Navigating The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Settlement Process” through Lawline.com where Michael serves as a faculty member.
Injured workers tend to net a significantly higher lump sum settlement when they use the services of a highly experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney, rather than going at it alone, or by using a “jack of all trades” lawyer who handles different types of legal problems. Insurance companies like to prey on injured workers who do not have an attorney representing them. Why?
Well, because they are knowledgeable about Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law and know how to utilize the technicalities to their advantage. Injured workers should know that a PA Work Comp Lawyer can only get paid if there is a Court Order which means the attorney had to increase the value of the case or settle the case for a lump sum. This contingent legal fee system levels the playing field for injured workers and wealthy insurance companies because it allows the injured workers in Pennsylvania to obtain a lawyer without having to write him or her a check. The attorneys at Cardamone Law are ready to handle your case- they analyze every case together and judges have told us that we don’t leave money on the table like many firms. Remember- most other firms do lots of types of law. Not us. We are 100% Work Comp for injured workers.
Cardamone is a Certified Pennsylvania Work Comp Specialist- he passed the very first exam certifying certain attorneys in Pennsylvania as Work Comp Specialists. In fact, 100% of his practice is Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation which is rare. Paul Silver, also of Cardamone Law, handles Workers’ Comp cases for injured workers too, bringing his incredible experience of over 40 years to our firm. Most firms handle several types of cases- Cardamone Law is 100% Work Comp- and 100% for injured workers.
If you want Michael to represent you, simply call him directly at (267) 651-7945.
