Legal Question in Workers Comp in District of Columbia
one lump sum
I had a back injury in 1999, from lifting something too heavy at my job. My doctor said I was 37% totally disabled, I had surgery in 2001 for herniated disc. Receiving weekly workmans compensation payments. Right now I am just getting temporary total disability, court date pending for permanent total disability. Am I allowed to get a lump sum instead of receiving weekly payments for the rest of my life. I also heard you can get just half in a lump sum and the rest in weekly payments, is this true. I get 248.00 per week. I was wondering how much of a lump sum I would receive, and do they consider that the cost of living rises, and if I was still working I would get raises. What do you see my lump sum payment being?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: one lump sum
Your workman's compensation insurance carrier is not obligated to pay out your settlement in a lump
sum but you could certainly make inquiry as to whether they would consider doing so and that they
perform the actuarial calculations as to how much of a lump sum payment you would be likely to receive if they chose to pay you in this manner.
Re: one lump sum
There is no obligation to pay a lump sum benefit. This is a matter
for negotiation through an attorney. I can be reached at (410) 799-9002 or by
return e-mail.