What is Fair Compensation for My Injury Rating?
FAQ,Personal Injury,Work Injury,Workers' Compensation - August 26, 2015 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Question:
I have been injured on the job and got a rating from my doctor of 13% whole body and 33% lower limb. Wanted to out what my options were when it came to settlement.
Their number is $17,000. I think that not enough and wanted to know what was legally fair without getting too outrageous.
–Joseph, New Market, VA
Their number is $17,000. I think that not enough and wanted to know what was legally fair without getting too outrageous.
–Joseph, New Market, VA
Answer:
An attorney must look at the medical records to see if the physician is giving you an accurate level of disability. You might ask, how would a lawyer know that? Well, lawyers see plenty of injuries and know their general value. But, the lawyer must see all the records, test results, radiograph reports, etc. I would never simply trust a physician’s stated rating level.
Is the physician affiliated with an insurance carrier? Who referred you to the physician? What is the physician’s reputation? A good WC lawyer will know the answers to these questions and be able to determine if the physician is biased. If so, he may send you for a second opinion. At the very least, a great WC lawyer will protect you and provide for fairer and more reasonable compensation than you could get on your own.
Is the physician affiliated with an insurance carrier? Who referred you to the physician? What is the physician’s reputation? A good WC lawyer will know the answers to these questions and be able to determine if the physician is biased. If so, he may send you for a second opinion. At the very least, a great WC lawyer will protect you and provide for fairer and more reasonable compensation than you could get on your own.
