Can my lawyer help me get a higher settlement?
Answer
Yes. Your workers’ compensation lawyer is the best person to advise you on the potential value of your settlement. In workers’ comp cases, settlement value is not based on how badly you were injured, because there is no compensation for pain, suffering, or other non-economic damages as there is in personal injury law. Instead, the primary factor is your weekly benefit amount, which is tied to your average weekly wage. If your weekly benefit is low, your settlement value may be lower as well—while someone with a higher average weekly wage may receive more, even if their injury is less severe.
A skilled lawyer understands how to negotiate, evaluate your wage records, and apply the rules—such as the six-year gate—to determine what your case is truly worth. They also use different strategies to push for a better outcome and ensure you understand the strengths and limitations of your claim before accepting any offer. For guidance on maximizing your settlement, our Rhode Island workers compensation attorney team can help assess your case and negotiate on your behalf. You may also want to review our denied claim appeal in RI for more insight into how claims and settlements are handled. Exploring related topics like case valuation or settlement strategy can also be helpful.
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