Q. I have represented myself in my Connecticut worker's compensation matter. The insurance company has offered me money to settle. How do I know if it's enough?

A. It is very difficult for someone who is not an attorney to value cases for settlement. The only information one may have about workers' compensation is what someone else got for their case. However, every case is very different and this comparison method will almost always lead to incorrect results. The injuries, the body parts, the disability, the compensability of the injury, the age of the injured worker, the compensation rate, the medical treatment and the future prognosis are all taken into consideration when valuing a case for settlement. These factors vary from person to person.

One thing is for sure: if the insurance company is offering you money to settle, the amount is almost certainly too low. It is in your best interest to seek the advice of an attorney when settling your case. When someone calls our office regarding this situation, we offer to do a file review. For a nominal flat fee, we review all of the paperwork and audit the file to make sure you have received all the benefits that you are entitled to. We then calculate a settlement range. We then have a consultation with you to explain the case history, identify where you are now and what options you have going forward, including settlement. At that point you have the option of taking the information and proceeding on your own or hiring us to represent you going forward. Learn more about the Worker’s Compensation process and settlements.