Settling Your Claim

Can I settle my Workers Compensation Claim? Absolutely, if your employer is also willing, and you can agree to the terms of a settlement. Employers and injured workers can settle all, or a portion of workers compensation claims. That does not mean you should always settle your case. At times, there are good reasons to settle, while at others, it may be better to wait.

A workers’ compensation judge may be able to help parties settle a case by talking through their differences.  This can be done through a mediation, a settlement conference, or an informal conference.  If either you or the employer files a petition, the workers’ compensation judge will schedule a mediation unless it would be futile.  Parties can request mediations or settlement conferences at any time.  Informal conference forms are available from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Claims Information Helpline at (800) 482-2383. 

Despite the availability of such conferences, you should generally not settle your case without having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney represent you.  Having representation will help to ensure that the settlement you receive is fair and reasonable -- because once the settlement is approved by a Workers Compensation Judge, your claim (or the portion you settled) is over, and it is very difficult to reopen a settled case.

If you are interested in settling all or a portion of your workers’ compensation claim, give one of our experienced attorneys a call.  Our attorneys can assist you in evaluating the risks and benefits of settling your case, as well as valuing your case to determine what sum of money you should demand from the employer to settle your claim.