Deciding whether to settle your worker's compensation case is a major decision and should be made with the utmost awareness of all potential consequences. It is always important that you consult an experienced Pennsylvania worker's compensation lawyer before making the decision to settle.

Fast Facts Related to this Week's Court Radio Show

• The worth of your worker's compensation case is determined by the amount of time you will be out of work and the amount of money you will be spending on medical bills.
• The average length of time a person is on worker's compensation is 18 months. Insurance companies will often begin to actively seek settlement at about 24 months.
• A judge must approve all workers ' compensation settlements. Otherwise, they do not technically exist and will not be enforceable.
• If you have been injured on the job, partially because of the actions of a third party, you may be able to sue that third party for pain and suffering. This is in addition to your worker's compensation.
• Pennsylvania worker's compensation settlements do not include pain and suffering.
• If you are successful in receiving pain and suffering compensation from a third party - and you have already received worker's compensation - the insurance company may claim some of that third party payout by way of subrogation. It is important that you retain an attorney who is able to help you navigate this situation, while keeping the most money for you.