San Francisco Workers' Compensation Settlements

Stipulated Finding and Award vs. Compromise and Release in San Francisco Workers' Compensation Claims

There are two primary types of settlements in a San Francisco workers' compensation case: a Stipulated Finding and Award and a Compromise and Release.

A Stipulated Finding and Award is essentially an agreement that has the same impact as a judge's decision after trial, but both parties have voluntarily reached this agreement rather than have it imposed by a judge.

A Compromise and Release will completely close a workers' compensation case and end an employee's right to future financial compensation. A Compromise and Release will typically involve a lump sum settlement from the workers' compensation insurance company that compensates the employee for the insurance company's avoidance of future payments.

After a San Francisco Workers' Comp Settlement

Once a San Francisco workers' compensation case is settled, whether by way of a Stipulated Finding and Award or Compromise and Release, the agreement will be presented to a judge, who will review the documents and medical reports to ensure the agreement is just. The judge will then approve or deny the settlement. If the workers' compensation settlement is approved by the judge, this has the same impact of any court order. The injured worker should expect to receive his or her compensation within 30 days, although with a Stipulated Finding and Award the worker is often already receiving benefits and the order simply will outline when those benefits will end.

Working with an Attorney

Making the decision to accept a settlement in a San Francisco workers' compensation case may be difficult. There will come a time in many workers' compensation cases when the employer and employee will seek to resolve the matter by way of a settlement. Agreeing to a settlement outside of court may be beneficial to both parties, allowing them to avoid the cost of going to court to have the matter resolved by a judge. That is why it is so important to involve an attorney, who will be able to help you reach a settlement and will be able to protect your rights to help ensure the settlement is truly beneficial to you.

Questions about settlements for workers' compensation claims? Contact a San Francisco workers' compensation lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group today.