How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Settlements Take?

Are you waiting for a workers’ compensation settlement following a workplace injury or occupational illness in North Carolina and wondering how long it will take? Each step in the process can bring new questions and challenges that only add to your frustration and uncertainty. The good news is that a knowledgeable lawyer can simplify all of this for you.

At Ward Black Law, our team can clarify what to expect at each phase and work proactively to move your case forward as efficiently as possible. Contact us today for a free claim review to learn more about how we can help.

Why You Need Our Law Firm When Settling a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Choosing Ward Black Law for your workers’ compensation case means partnering with a team that combines over 30 years of experience with a commitment to personal attention. Our award-winning attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, reflecting our deep understanding of the challenges injured people face and our ability to simplify complex legal issues.

We have been recognized for our legal excellence and consistently ranked among the “Best Law Firms in America.” Our approach is client-focused, which means we prioritize listening to and addressing our clients’ concerns with the utmost care and professionalism every step of the way.

We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means our success is aligned with yours. If we don’t secure money for you, we charge zero legal fees. That commitment extends across cases from simple claims to challenging disputes against formidable opponents.

Here’s what some of our past clients have to say about working with us:

“They fought for things I didn’t know I needed to fight for.” — Former Client

“They consider you a part of their family.”— Pamela

How Are Workers’ Compensation Settlements Different from Personal Injury Cases?

Workers’ compensation settlements differ from personal injury cases mainly in terms of fault and the types of compensation injured workers can recover.

In personal injury cases, you must prove that someone else was at fault for your injury, but proving fault is not necessary in workers’ compensation cases. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused your workplace injury. Additionally, personal injury cases can yield compensation for pain and suffering, which is not available in workers’ compensation claims.

Workers’ compensation benefits primarily cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. Personal injury claims can lead to a broader range of financial recovery, including full lost wages and emotional distress, but require more effort in proving fault.

Typical Timeline for Workers’ Compensation Settlements

How long do workers’ compensation settlements take? The timeline for a workers’ compensation settlement in North Carolina can vary based on the specifics of your case.

Typically, the process begins immediately after you report the injury to your employer. The next phase involves medical evaluations and reporting by your employer to their insurance carrier. If your claim is accepted, you could receive temporary benefits within a few weeks.

However, the settlement stage might not begin until your medical condition stabilizes, indicating that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). That could take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the severity of the injuries. Final settlements are usually negotiated once there is a clear understanding of your long-term medical needs and any lasting impairments.

Factors Influencing the Timeline of Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Several factors can influence the timeline of a workers’ compensation settlement. For example, the severity of your injuries often plays a key role. More severe injuries typically require longer recovery times and more extensive medical treatment. Because settlements occur after the injured worker has reached MMI, a significant injury prolongs the settlement process.

Disputes over the extent of your workplace injuries or disagreements about the benefits you are entitled to can also delay a workers’ compensation offer. The efficiency of the insurance company involved and the speed with which your employer reports the incident are also relevant factors.

Common Delays in Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Delays in workers’ compensation settlements can be frustrating. One common cause of delay is when there is a dispute about whether your injury was work-related or whether you were an independent contractor instead of an employee. Insurance companies might also delay proceedings if there is a question about the severity of your injury or the necessary treatment.

Other factors like incomplete documentation or paperwork errors can also hold up the process. In some cases, frequent changes in medical providers or disagreements between medical experts about your treatment can cause further delays. You can reduce the likelihood of these delays by ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.

Ways to Expedite the Workers’ Compensation Settlement Timeline

The best way to expedite the workers’ compensation settlement process is to get help from our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys. We can handle the claims process and communicate effectively and promptly with insurance companies. We can respond swiftly to any requests for additional information from the insurance company or your attorney.

You can facilitate an efficient workers’ compensation settlement process by seeking prompt medical treatment and reporting your work injury to your employer immediately. You should also ensure all injury-related medical documents you include with your claim are accurate and thorough. Staying organized and keeping detailed records of all related expenses and correspondence can speed up the settlement process.

When to Expect a Settlement Check After Approval

Once a workers’ compensation settlement offer is approved, the timeline for receiving a settlement check can vary, but it typically takes a matter of weeks. After the settlement is agreed upon, the workers’ compensation insurance company will process the settlement documents, which you and the insurer must sign.

Once signed, the insurance company usually issues the settlement check within a couple of weeks. However, delays can occur if there are any discrepancies or final adjustments that need to be addressed. Our attorneys can ensure all your documentation is processed correctly and promptly to minimize these delays.

Get Help from Our North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Now

Are you ready to take action on your workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina? The experienced workplace injury attorneys at Ward Black Law are prepared to help. Contact us today for a free claim evaluation, and let’s start working together to secure the compensation you deserve.