Michigan lawyer discusses workers’ comp settlement for a broken toe and why it is not always the best option.
Many of our clients receive work injury benefits and there is no dispute regarding their claim. We only get involved to help them navigate complex legal rules and make sure they don’t get into trouble. It is important to have a lawyer helping with minor issues before they explode into major problems. For example, did you know that accepting a small settlement from workers’ comp could result in a resignation from your job? Here is why a workers’ comp settlement for a broken toe is not always worth it.
We have seen all kinds of workplace injuries over a combined 50+ years of practice. Some people recover quickly and get back to work after a couple weeks. Others are disabled for much longer and need a lifetime of medical care. A broken toe is one of those injuries that can go either way. Some people end up having multiple surgeries that include pins and screws. Walking or standing for long periods of time becomes extremely painful and interferes with essential job duties. A lump sum cash payout for this type of minor injury make sense when medical treatment is stable and keeping the job becomes irrelevant.
Advantages of a lump sum cash payment
Individuals can trade work injury benefits for a lump sum cash payment. It is tax free money that can be used for any purpose including paying off debt or finding a new job. Settlement is a good idea when enough money is being given to ensure access to future medical care. Individuals are typically required to give up their job, so this money is helpful when transitioning to a new career.
Why a workers’ comp settlement for a broken toe isn’t always the best option
Settlement is not a good option when a person continues working and does not want to give up their current job. This is especially true when a workers’ comp settlement for a broken toe does not amount to much. Insurance companies only pay settlements based upon how much they must spend in future work injury benefits. They won’t offer much unless evidence shows continued need for medical treatment and disability. Not enough money will be offered for an employee to give up his or her job.
Voluntary payment is an option
Many of the cases we handle end up being resolved through a voluntary payment. This is not a settlement per se but a compromised amount that is paid to resolve past-due work injury benefits. For example, if an employee is only owed a couple months of lost wages because he or she has returned to the job. A voluntary payment does not result in job loss and future entitlement is not given up. This is a good option when a workers’ comp settlement for a broken toe is not possible.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled employees exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
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