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How Do Worker’s Comp Settlements Work in Pennsylvania?

How Do Worker’s Comp Settlements Work in Pennsylvania?

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    Many injured workers in Pennsylvania settle their cases for a lump sum that is negotiated with the Employer, Insurer, or Third Party Administrator. Michael Cardamone is highly experienced in maximizing settlements for injured workers in Pennsylvania- having netted tens of millions in wage loss and medical benefits for his clients since 1999.

    What happens at a Pennsylvania Worker Comp Settlement? The injured worker meets with his or her attorney to go over the settlement agreement, called a Compromise and Release. The papers are signed. The parties wait around for the Judge to call their case. Once called, the injured worker testifies. The lawyer will ask simple questions about the terms of the agreement. The hearing itself does not last very long. Each Judge has their own style, but the agreements are approved and the hearings go off without much commotion.

    How Does Settlement Work in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Cases?

    Settlement in Pennsylvania work comp is an agreement by the parties to end a case in exchange for a lump sum payment. The parties involved are a claimant- the injured worker, and the employer and its insurance company or third party administrator (which is like an insurance company but it does not spend its own money). Usually, the injured worker, or his or her attorney (it is recommended to use an attorney as settlement can involve many complex issues) makes a “demand” for settlement. The insurer/employer then makes an initial offer and negotiations continue. Once an agreement is reached, the parties must have the settlement codified in what’s called a Compromise & Release Agreement and the settlement must be approved before a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation judge at a hearing on the record. Some settlements, which are not global (ie, that simply resolve an issue in the case) can be submitted to a work comp judge in what’s called a Stipulation. In these situations, at least one aspect of the case remains open so that the case continues.

    How Much Money Should I Expect From a Pennsylvania Workers Comp Settlement?

    The answer depends on many factors. It is recommended that you consider speaking with an experienced and Certified PA work comp lawyer to evaluate the factors in your case. Some of the factors include the extent of disability, the pre-injury average weekly wage, the age of the injured worker, the residual earning power of the injured worker, the amount of years the injured worker has been receiving benefits, whether there is litigation pending, and whether there exists an Independent Medical Exam which offers an opinion different than that of the treating physician, whether Medicare needs to approve the settlement, etc. Settlements in Pennsylvania for workers’ compensation can vary considerably but the vast majority of settlements are under $250,000.00. Pain and suffering is NOT an available benefit in PA workers’ comp. Some cases settled for $500 and some settle for $500,000. Every case is different. Injured workers should avoid comparing their case to a neighbor’s or co-workers. Remember, if there is litigation pending, it often means that there are doctors with different opinions. While settlement is not mandatory, it is always wise to explore settlement because the Judge is often confronted with opposing medical or factual evidence which he or she has to resolve, leaving one party with a victory and one with a defeat. Even if you believe your case is a strong one, nothing is guaranteed in litigation.

    Can I Ask For a Mediation to Help Settle My Pennsylvania Work Comp Case?

    Yes. In fact, in most cases, a mandatory mediation is now scheduled after the first hearing if there is litigation. Even if no litigation is pending, the parties can agree to a voluntary mediation where they agree to use a certain judge as the mediator. No one, not even a judge, can force an injured worker to settle. They, along with the attorney, simply provide their opinions and recommendations.

    When Should I Expect to Be Paid After a Pennsylvania Work Comp Settlement?

    Once the Pennsylvania workers comp judge approves the Compromise & Release Agreement, he or she will issue an order approving it. Once the order is entered, the employer/insurer/TPA has a maximum of thirty days in which to make the payments. This is assuming the parties waive the twenty day appeal period at the Compromise and Release Hearing. Note that some PA workers’ compensation settlements keep medical benefits open for a period of time- or indefinitely. However, even with open medical, the insurer/employer is able to file Utilization Review which is a process to determine if certain treatment is “reasonable and necessary”. Regardless of the Utilization Review Determination, each party has a right to challenge the initial determination by filing what’s called a Petition to Review which puts the case before a PA work comp judge “de novo”, which means that the Judge can make his or her own decision as to whether the treatment is reasonable and necessary.

    What Happens if My PA Work Comp Settlement Money is Not Paid on Time?

    You can file a Penalty Petition seeking additional money for the late payment(s). The workers’ compensation judge has discretion to award up to 50% of the amount in controversy. A 50% penalty, however, is rare. The amount of the penalty generally depends on how late the settlement money was paid, whether there was an adequate explanation for the late payment, etc. Having practiced in PA workers’ compensation law for many years, I can say it is pretty infrequent that the employer or insurer doesn’t pay the proceeds timely. Employers and insurers don’t like Penalty Petitions.

    How Michael Can Help with a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Pennsylvania

    Michael’s expertise with Pennsylvania Work Comp Settlements has resulted in a CLE Course, taught by him, for other lawyers to utilize, called “Navigating The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Settlement Process” through Lawline.com where Michael serves as a faculty member.

    Injured workers tend to net a significantly higher lump sum settlement when they use the services of a highly experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney, rather than going at it alone, or by using a “jack of all trades” lawyer who handles different types of legal problems. Insurance companies like to prey on injured workers who do not have an attorney representing them. Why?

    Well, because they are knowledgeable about Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law and know how to utilize the technicalities to their advantage. Injured workers should know that a PA Work Comp Lawyer can only get paid if there is a Court Order which means the attorney had to increase the value of the case or settle the case for a lump sum. This contingent legal fee system levels the playing field for injured workers and wealthy insurance companies because it allows the injured workers in Pennsylvania to obtain a lawyer without having to write him or her a check. The attorneys at Cardamone Law are ready to handle your case- they analyze every case together and judges have told us that we don’t leave money on the table like many firms. Remember- most other firms do lots of types of law. Not us. We are 100% Work Comp for injured workers.

    Cardamone is a Certified Pennsylvania Work Comp Specialist- he passed the very first exam certifying certain attorneys in Pennsylvania as Work Comp Specialists. In fact, 100% of his practice is Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation which is rare. Paul Silver, also of Cardamone Law, handles Workers’ Comp cases for injured workers too, bringing his incredible experience of over 40 years to our firm. Most firms handle several types of cases- Cardamone Law is 100% Work Comp- and 100% for injured workers.

    Michael Cardamone helped with $6,500,000.00 personal injury settlement
    Michael Cardamone (“Cards”) is one of Pennsylvania’s rare attorneys who ONLY handles Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation cases for injured workers. If you research other so called Work Comp Lawyers, you will likely find that they also handle personal injury cases or criminal cases or social security disability- or a combination of these types of matters. Not us. We only represents injured workers. We refers out other types of legal matters to our esteemed colleagues so that we can continue giving injured workers the highest level of legal advice.

    If you want Michael to represent you, simply call him directly at 215-206-9068 for a free consult or email Michael@CardamoneLaw.com

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    Awards & Recognitions

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    Cardamone Law Has Negotiated Some of the Largest Workers’ Comp Settlements in Pennsylvania

    $2.2 Million
    Spinal Injury
    $897,000
    Lower Back Injury
    $650,000
    Lower Back Injury
    $550,000
    Neck Injury
    $425,000
    Leg Injury
    $375,000
    Knee Injury
    $325,000
    Ankle Injury
    & Hundreds More Cases
    $2.2 Million
    Spinal Injury
    $897,000
    Lower Back Injury
    $650,000
    Lower Back Injury
    $550,000
    Neck Injury
    $425,000
    Leg Injury
    $375,000
    Knee Injury
    $325,000
    Ankle Injury
    & Hundreds More Cases

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    "Best Law Firm around!"

    "Cardomone law is absolutely fantastic! They are very responsive and helpful and they will fight to get you what you deserve. Shirley is also very helpful whenever you have any questions! Best Law Firm around!"

    - C. Edwards
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    "Michael and Shirley are very dedicated...and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case"

    "Cardamone Law Firm were very helpful to me since day one. Michael and Shirley are very dedicated to my case giving me updates, answering my questions, being honest with my case, and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case. Thank you so much for your service and dedication and helping me to achieve not only your case but to guide and refer me in other needs too! You guys are the best law firm friendly and dedicated. I will recommend to anyone."

    - A. Ortiz
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    "Michael won my workers comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim."

    "Exceptional firm. Highly recommend this law firm. Michael won my Workers Comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim. Him and his staff were always at my reach for legal and emotional support. Am so happy I hire them. Thanks Michael and Ms. Shirley."

    - Carlos P.
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    "[They] did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time."

    "I recently had a work related injury and was receiving Workers' Compensation (medical benefits only). Soon after I was fired, so I contacted Paul Silver at Cardamone Law Firm who did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time. Paul and his assistant Shirley always responded to any questions I had about the case in a very short amount of time. Thank you for helping me with this difficult case."

    - Robin C.
    Google Reviews
    "Highly recommend."

    "Cardamone Law was great with helping my husband with his Workers Comp issues. Mike and Shirley were the best with letting us know what was going on every step of the way. Highly recommend."

    - Danielle P.
    Google Reviews
    "Mike Cardamone is amazing"

    "Mike Cardamone is amazing. He is "hands down" one of the best lawyers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He is very kind, understanding, knowledgeable in his field, always very thorough and helpful. He was extremely professional and someone who truly cares about his clients. I felt completely at ease with him. He was a pleasure to work with, explained everything in detail, as well as answered all my questions with knowledge and care. If you want someone you can trust, who communicates every step of the way, will fight for you and make sure you win your case, he is it! I will refer all my family and friends to him. Thank you so much Mike, for everything. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication in helping me."

    - Allie M.
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    Without a doubt YOU are the best!!!

    "Without a doubt YOU are the best!!! Every person who is in the horrible position of being injured at work should have someone as kind, compassionate and knowledgeable as you on their side. You never once made me feel like I was one of a hundred other clients. I always knew you had my back! You answered calls and emails at all hours. You fought every fight for me so I only had to worry about getting well. Behind your nice, calm face there’s a pit bull ready to take on any employer or judge. I can never thank you enough."

    - L. Edall
    Google Reviews
    "Best Workers' Comp Lawyer!"

    "Michael is simply the best! He was there for me from day 1 till the end, and we won the case!! He is always available to help. I had a gazillion questions and he would answer them one by one. He's a great lawyer and I feel lucky to have found him online from reading other outstanding reviews about him. Believe me, they're true!"

    - Faith B.
    Google Reviews
    "Great Attorney"

    "Great attorney, handled case quickly and efficiently. I would recommend him and would use him again. He was always available to answer any questions we had. Thank you, Mr. Cardamone."

    - H. Anderson
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