Should I Accept an Orange County Workers’ Comp Settlement? [2025 Guide]

After a work-related illness or injury, Southern Californians can receive workers’ compensation benefits, which typically provide medical benefits and wage replacement. In the Golden State, some workers want to settle their claim through negotiation. If you’re planning to apply for CA workers’ compensation benefits, you may wonder, “When should I accept an Orange County workers’ compensation settlement?”

California Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Settlements to resolve workers’ compensation claims are usually offered after a worker suffers a workplace illness or injury and reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). This term means their doctor has determined their injury or illness has stabilized such that additional medical care is unlikely to improve their condition.

Once a worker reaches MMI, a lump sum settlement may be offered through workers’ compensation. At that point, the full value of their future can be assessed, and a settlement amount can be offered to cover their future medical care costs and all lost wages.

Reasons for a Settlement

Settlements may be offered before you reach MMI, particularly in situations when

• Liability is disputed. If your insurance carrier disputes responsibility for your benefits claim, they could argue that your injury isn’t related to your job or isn’t as serious as you claim. Sometimes, insurance companies offer a settlement to try to avoid paying any additional costs or having to go to court.
• Anticipated costs for an insurance carrier are high. It’s no secret insurance companies want to keep their costs low. This means they may offer to settle your workers’ compensation claim if they believe the potential amount they may pay is high. Their offer may be an attempt to limit their ultimate responsibility.
• Complicated medical conditions are involved. If there’s uncertainty about ongoing medical care and costs, your workers’ compensation carrier might be motivated to offer a settlement amount to reduce their financial risks.
• Your claim is of a high value. The insurance company may feel it would have to pay a significant amount if you go to trial at the Orange County Superior Court. As a result, they may offer a settlement amount in order to mitigate their risk.

Additional Settlement Considerations

There are some important factors you should consider if you receive a settlement offer for your workers’ compensation claim. These include:

• Whether you’re ready to end your claim. A settlement is a formal end to your claim for compensation, which means you must give up your ability to recover any further. If you end up with any additional medical symptoms, you will be unable to recover further if you’ve already accepted a settlement.
• Whether you could mediate your claim. Sometimes, workers decide to participate in mediation, which provides an informal setting to potentially reach an agreement. You can and should explore all available options for your recovery.
• Whether you’ve consulted with a lawyer. An attorney can discuss the reasons to consider a settlement offer. They can explain how to maximize your claim recovery and make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table. An attorney can determine the most effective way to resolve your expenses from your work-related injury or illness.

With any proposed settlement, it’s important to speak with an attorney. A lawyer can assess the value of your claim accurately, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure you get the full and fair compensation you deserve. Without an attorney, you may be at risk of undervaluing your claim and accepting a settlement offer that’s less than you deserve. They can answer your questions and ensure you’re comfortable with the decision you ultimately make.

Why Choose the Team at Canlas Law Group?

If you need to discuss the merits of the amount proposed to settle your workers’ compensation claim, contact Canlas Law Group. Whether you live in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Irvine, an Orange County lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation. We collaborate with our clients to provide information that allows them to reach informed decisions.

FAQs

Q: Do I Have Options for My Injury/Illness Recovery Other Than Workers’ Compensation?

A: California workers may have legal options other than filing for workers’ compensation benefits after a work-related injury or illness. However, some laws prevent workers from filing a claim in court beyond their workers’ compensation recovery. If you’re filing for workers’ compensation in Orange County, California, contact an attorney to discuss how to maximize your recovery and exhaust all available compensation options.

Q: What Compensation Is Available for California Workers’ Compensation Claims?

A: In California, workers’ compensation is designed to provide compensation for medical care related to injuries or illnesses that happened in the workplace. The purpose of the insurance program is to provide money to help employees heal and return to work. Employees usually get money for their immediate costs, as well as for their long-term medical care.

Q: Do Many Californians File for Benefits Through Workers’ Compensation?

A: Every year, many Californians file for workers’ compensation benefits. In 2023, about 680,152 workers’ compensation claims were filed by individual employees across California. If you need help filing for workers’ compensation, contact an attorney. Canlas Law Group can prepare the required paperwork and zealously pursue your benefits.

Q: Should I Contact a Lawyer If I’ve Been Offered a Lump Sum Settlement?

A: Yes, it’s important to contact a lawyer if you’ve been offered a lump sum settlement for your workers’ compensation claim. An attorney can:

• Explore whether the proposed amount is fair
• Protect your employee rights
• Ensure you understand all possible consequences of a settlement, plus the impact it could have on your future medical care costs
• Provide advice about whether accepting the settlement offer would be in your interests

Hire an Experienced Orange County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today – Call Canlas Law Group

At Canlas Law Group, we understand the complicated workers’ compensation system in California and are ready to help you get what you deserve after a job-related accident or illness. For reliable legal counsel regarding settlements, hire an Orange County workers’ compensation lawyer. Contact our team to schedule a free initial consultation with our skilled attorneys.