Legal Question in Workers Comp in California
Permanent disability settlement amounts in California
Ive been on work comp disability for 2.5 years. Will have to fuse my ankle. Can I find out what my insurance company will be trying to offer me in terms of a settlement after Dr. says Im permanent and stable.I have handled this without help of attorneys and wonder what a fair amount will be.I understand it will depend on amount of disability. Is there a sliding scale insurance co uses,and how can I find it.I would like to know if an attorney could tell me in a consultation.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Permanent disability settlement amounts in California
You may have a consultative rating by the DEU at your local board. However, you should be aware that cost of future medical care should be included. I have always found that applicants with attorney's however, obtain better results, more than the 12 per cent allowed for their attorney's fees. For example, an attorney may refer you to a QME which will find a larger disabilty that your treating physician, especially if you were referred to that doctor by the insurance company. Contact me directly at (619) 222-3504.
Sources for information
If you want to handle this claim yourself, there are several placed to look for information. I would recommend you visit, http://www.dir.ca.gov/, which is the California Department of Industrial Relations. Also you can purchase a book from Nolo Press titled Take charge of your Workers Compensation Claim for about $25. It contains rating tables that will outline your position fairly well.