Legal Question in Workers Comp in Pennsylvania

About to Settle on a Worker Comp Case

I was injured on the job and I am about to sign the paperwork to settle on my case. I am scared to death that I may be making a big mistake. this case is over a year old and I am ready to get on with my life. I had to have discs replaced in my neck and a titanium plate put in as well. My medical insurance has been paying the bills until my case is ruled on and a settlement is made. My concern is I am being offered a dollar amount but no exteding medical coverage once the paperwork is signed. they have also agreed to pay the outstanding bills as well as reimburse the private insurance company. I got upset with my attorney because I felt he did not defend me. I was the one who had to insist that they not take advantage of me. The judge even seemed to be siding with the other attornies. I am scared. What should I look out for when I go to sign the paperwork to make sure that they don't get out of repaying my private insurance company and how do I protect myself?


Asked on 11/04/07, 9:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: About to Settle on a Worker Comp Case

You should express your concerns to your own attorney. He wasn't there to "defend" you but to get you the best deal that he could. It is difficult to deal with insurance companies in these cases and some of the Workers' Compensation Judges lean in favor of the Insurance Carriers. In fact, a lot of them represented insurance carriers in private practice. You never have to settle a case but if your attorney is advising you to accept a settlement then your best bet is to take his or her advice after having him or her explain the upside and the downside of settlement, including the medical expense.

Read more
Answered on 11/05/07, 9:42 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Workers' Compensation Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania