Philadelphia, PA asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania

Q: When do workers compensation adjusters decide to settle a claim instead of the final hearing with the judge?

I read a article that states 95% of workers compensation cases settle before trial. So my final hearing for my case is in January 2018 after being out for a year for cervical radiculopathy and left carpal tunnel. Injury date was 11/2016.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Glenn Neiman
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Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Warminster, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: There is no exact answer to your question. Settlement is something that happens only when both sides agree. This can be quick, or years down the road. The insurance carrier may want to wait for a decision, to see if they can win (and pay you nothing). Your attorney may have a much better idea of where your case stands.

Timothy Belt agrees with this answer

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
Answered
  • Workers' Compensation Lawyer
  • Hazleton, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: I agree with Glenn that every case is unique and the best person to answer your question would be your attorney. However, the answer to almost every settlement question is the same. That answer is money. If the adjuster believes they can save money by settling they will settle. If they believe they will save more money by taking the matter to decision, they will take it to decision. If you agreed to resolve your claim for $1.00, the adjuster would be on the phone to the judge's office trying to get a hearing for this afternoon. If you are demanding $100,000,000.00, the case is never going to settle. Call your lawyer. He can give you more specific information as to where your particular case is at in regard to settlement negotiations.

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