Future medical care
Before closing medical care, consider future doctor visits, medication, injections, surgery risk, pain management, durable medical equipment, and whether a Medicare Set-Aside may be involved.
Work status and resignation
Some settlements include resignation or employment language. That can matter. An injured worker should understand how settlement affects the job, future work, references, unemployment issues, and other claims.
Social Security Disability and Medicare
If the worker may apply for or already receives Social Security Disability, settlement should be reviewed carefully. Workers' compensation, Medicare, and disability benefits can overlap in ways that are easy to miss.
Case value facts
- Age, education, and past work.
- Average weekly wage.
- Body parts injured, especially neck, shoulder, back, head, or brain.
- Permanent restrictions and FCE results.
- Ability to return to the old job.
- Future medical needs.
- Social Security Disability issues.
Settlement red flags
Be careful when a settlement closes future medical care, requires resignation, ignores Social Security Disability, or offers a quick number before the worker understands permanent restrictions and future treatment.