Work Comp compensation for an ACL Break?!

Work Comp compensation for an ACL Break?

I tore my ACL completley while working at the beginning of this month. I also partially ripped my LCL and some cartlige broke off of my tibia, bad news, I know.

I know that work Workman's Compensation will pay for my surgery and everything as well as my wages while I recover, but I heard that I will recieve a sum of money after my rehab is done. I guess that this money is given to me because my knee will be damaged in some way for the rest of my life.

I was just wondering if anyone had an yexperience with this kind of stuff, as it's all new to me? Does anyone know what this sum of money is? Can anyone give me an estimate of how much it might be? Thanks in advance.

At the end of your treatment your doctor may give you a rating if you have suffered any permanent loss of use. The rating as well as your state's laws dictate the amount (if any) of the settlement your insurance company offers you. The work comp insurance would be the one that gives you a lump sum, not your employer. In the states that I handle, you do not HAVE to get a lawyer (btw they do not do it free of charge, they take a portion of whatever settlement you get). However, hiring a lawyer is recommended since the insurance company has to have a lawyer for settlements and that gives the insurance company what is considered an unfair advantage (since they have a lot of knowledge about work comp and the claimant usually does not). Also work comp doesn't just stop paying once you are back to work, they continue to pay for your medical treatment until you are released from care or accept a settlement that doesn't include future medical. If you are returned to work light duty and work fewer hours than normal or are working a different position at your work and earning less money, work comp will cover 2/3 of the difference between that and your normal wages. My suggestion is to research and learn as much as you can about your state's laws. Workerscompensation.com is a good website. Ask your work comp adjuster any questions that you may have about work comp. I would hold off on asking a lot of questions about a settlement until your treatment is nearing completion. Many adjusters consider it a red flag when a claimant asks a lot of questions about a settlement right off the bat. If the doctor does give you a rating, then ask your adjuster what they are offering. If you've researched enough about your state's laws, you can probably tell if the offer is fair. If you feel that you are being jerked around, then do get a lawyer. Good luck and I hope you heal well!


EDIT: Holy crap, I wrote a novel!!! Sorry!