Process for Receiving a Workers' Compensation Settlement

Secure your benefits with a compensation agreement

An employer or insurer can choose to pay your work injury benefits by offering a workers' compensation settlement in Joplin.  You can take steps to negotiate an agreement in a contested or non-contested compensation case with the help of the Cottrell Law Office.  Missouri and Arkansas laws do not require you to wait for a settlement proposal.

However, there are times when you are not ready to settle, or even consider a compensation settlement.  You should not take a Joplin workers' compensation settlement if:

• You have not completed your medical treatment
• Your doctor has not cleared you to return to work
• Your doctor still has you on work restrictions
• Your doctor has not determined your permanent restrictions, if any
• You had surgery recently

Accepting a lump sum or structured settlement may mean you release the insurance company from its responsibilities.  You have to pay any bills for your injury after you accept a settlement.

You are hurt and you have bills to pay.  We have been representing injured workers since 1992 and we understand the appeal of a workers' compensation settlement in Joplin.  Contact the Cottrell Law Office to discuss a proposed Joplin workers' compensation settlement and let us explain the pros and cons of settling in your free consultation.

Obtaining a Joplin workers’ compensation settlement hearing

Missouri law allows you to schedule a conference at your local Division of Workers’ Compensation’s adjudication office.  This office reviews any settlements you and your employer agree on and handles your disputes over compensation.

If you and your employer agree on a settlement without dispute management, you schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge.  Mediation also stops when it is apparent you are approaching a settlement.  A judge or legal advisor must approve of your proposed agreement.  

The judge denies any settlement that compromises the rights of either party or fails to set forth certain details. These include the compensation issues agreed upon by the parties, along with the the total amount of the following:

• Medical expenses and the amount previously paid
• Medical costs paid under agreement
• Any permanent benefits previously paid
• Permanent benefits paid under agreement
• All benefits paid under the agreement
• The employee’s attorney fees and expenses
• Compensation paid in the case

Also listed are any prorate provisions scheduling settlement payments over the employee’s life expectancy.

Your settlement has to address any permanent total or partial disabilities.  Make sure your employer and employer’s insurance company takes your case seriously.  Representation from the Cottrell Law Office shows them you will only settle for all the benefits you deserve. 

We take a personal interest in your injury recovery and you do not pay our fees unless your case is successful.  Contact us today and let us help you negotiate a workers' compensation settlement in Joplin, Fayetteville, Rogers, and throughout Missouri and Arkansas.