Workers’ compensation is one of the most important forms of worker protection. Any job can put a worker at risk. Someone working in a fast food restaurant could incur third-degree burns because of a fryer malfunction. Teachers could get hurt by a student who becomes unexpectedly aggressive.
Workers’ compensation can cover injuries that are the result of one catastrophic incident, like attempting to lift improperly and suffering an instantaneous back injury. Workers’ compensation benefits can also apply in cases where people develop work-acquired medical conditions through repetitive use. Those who regularly lift, bend or twist at work could develop repetitive use back injuries.
What kind of settlement is likely for an employee with a job-acquired back injury?
Settlements are different in every case
It is common for people to want to know averages or medians as a way to predict what may happen in a certain situation. However, in some scenarios, like workers’ compensation claims, the outliers can be so extreme that the averages and medians are essentially meaningless.
The lowest-value back injury settlement might only be for a few hundred dollars, while other workers might qualify for six figures or more. The extent of the injury, the age of the worker, their pre-injury income and other factors determine how much someone might be eligible for in a settlement.
Settlements aren’t necessarily the best option
While settlements often seem very appealing to people, they aren’t necessarily the best form of financial support. They provide a one-time payout and could leave someone without any support for additional future expenses.
Someone’s eagerness to catch up on their bills or to resolve a stressful claim might lead to them accepting a settlement that isn’t actually favorable for them. Those facing career-ending injuries, like serious back injuries, may need help when they attempt to negotiate a settlement. A lawyer who has experience taking complex claims to trial can sometimes help those with serious injuries secure a more reasonable amount of compensation.
Learning more about workers’ compensation coverage can help injured workers maximize the benefits they receive. Continuing a claim indefinitely for ongoing medical benefits and disability pay can sometimes be the better option when considering a settlement for a back injury.