Should I Settle My Virginia Workers Compensation Claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement, Workers' Compensation Benefits
People often contact my office because they are not sure if they should settle their workers compensation claim. There are major differences on how to move forward on your claim which depends on whether you want to keep your “lifetime” medical benefits or, if not, you want to settle your case. BE INFORMED! If you …
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Having Trouble With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Hiring A Lawyer
If your claim for Virginia workers’ compensation benefits has been denied by the insurance carrier need to understand what steps to take in order to get medical treatment for your work injuries and to get the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) involved in your case so you can have a hearing if necessary. This process …
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Why Accept A Virginia Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
When you are faced with a life changing work injury, the decision to accept a workers’ compensation settlement can be a complicated one. There are pro’s and con’s on either side of the decision so I’ve put together the list below in order to educate injured workers of the benefits of accepting a workers’ compensation …
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Why A Virginia Workers’ Compensation Settlement Must be Approved by the Commission
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
When the workers’ compensation insurance company and the injured worker (and possibly their attorneys) reach an agreement for a Virginia workers’ compensation settlement, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission will oversee the settlement and must approve it for it to become final. Virginia Code Section 65.2-701 requires that ALL Virginia workers compensation settlements be filed with …
Can I Accept Settlement for my Virginia Workers’ Compensation Claim and Keep Lifetime Medical Benefits?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
We get this question regularly from injured workers. Folks want to know “Can I settle my workers’ compensation claim and also keep my lifetime medical benefits?” People are concerned (obviously for valid reasons) that their medical condition from their injuries may get worse in the future and they want to have a provision in their …
4 Reasons to Go to Mediation for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
In Virginia, workers’ compensation disputes can be resolved in a few different ways. Injured workers can take a settlement, come to an agreement with the insurance company (an Award Order or Stipulated Order), go to a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner, or go to mediation to resolve the matter. Here are 4 reasons why mediation …
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What is Mediation?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
You have been asked to go to mediation. What does that mean? Mediation is a voluntary meeting in which the parties come together with a mediator to try to work out the case amicably without going to a hearing and is much less formal than a hearing and testimony is not needed. It is voluntary, …
Frequently Asked Questions about Structured Settlements
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | Settlement
Generally, I am not a fan of structured settlements since it means that an injured worker’s settlement funds are restricted by an annuity. If and when circumstances change, the annuity does not change with the circumstances. In workers compensation settlements, unlike personal injury settlements, you can’t sell your structured settlement. It is part of an …
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Why Should I Consider a Structured Settlement?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | Settlement
Why consider a structured settlement? A structured settlement gives an injured worker the unique ability to design payments tailored for his or her long term needs. Structured settlement payments can accommodate family needs, such as a child’s education. Or, it can be an important role in helping parties to come to an agreed settlement of …
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What is a Structured Settlement?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | Settlement
In simple terms, a structured settlement is a financial tool for injured workers when they settle their workers compensation claim. They choose a structured settlement instead of taking one lump sum payment. Regular payments are then made over a specified frequency and period of time to match your future needs and goals. Financial advantages include: Guaranteed payments …