If you have recently been injured in a workplace accident, you have probably been speaking with an employee of an insurance company called an adjuster.  In most cases, you will not be dealing directly with your employer.  Most companies purchase workers’ compensation insurance just like you and I purchase our car insurance, and for the same reason: if something bad happens and money needs to be paid, it won’t have to come directly out of our pockets — the insurance company takes care of it.

So, while your employer may want to get you the medical treatment you need and get a valuable employee back to work as soon as possible, the insurance company might not be so eager.  To them, you’re not a dedicated and effective employee — you’re a liability that will cost them money.  That is why an insurance company may offer you a cash settlement soon after you were injured.  The sooner they can get rid of your claim, the better.

Sometimes, insurance companies are fair and honest and will offer you a settlement that will be enough to pay for your future medical expenses and any time you must miss from work. If that’s the case, accepting the settlement might be a good idea. Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim against a seasoned insurance company can be a long hard battle, and settling early will certainly save you the hassle of fighting for your rights. But you should remember that the primary concern of the insurance company is saving money, not your health or ability to pay your bills.

Often, the settlement offer you receive will be much lower than what your claim is actually worth. Most injured workers don’t truly know what their claim is worth, what their rights are, or how to make sure that they get everything they deserve. That’s where an experienced and passionate attorney can make a difference. We know how to value your claim, and we know your rights and how to protect them. If you have been offered a cash settlement of your workers’ compensation claim and aren’t sure whether to accept it, call us for a free consultation. We will be happy to give you the information you need and advise you on your options. Contact Miller Law Group’s Raleigh office at 919-348-4361 to schedule your consultation with one of our attorneys at no cost.