Can you settle workers' comp without a lawyer?
Can I settle a workers' comp case without a lawyer?
General information about California workers' compensation.
What should I understand before I settle?
Whether your permanent disability rating is correct, whether every injured body part is included, what your future medical care is likely to cost, and whether a lump sum would close that care for good.
A judge reviews the settlement for adequacy, but cannot tell you whether a different offer was possible.
Who helps if I don't have a lawyer?
The Division of Workers' Compensation has Information and Assistance officers who explain the process to workers without attorneys, at no cost.
What would an attorney cost?
Workers' compensation attorneys do not charge an upfront fee or hourly rate to injured workers. The fee must be approved by a workers' compensation judge and is ordinarily deducted from the settlement or award.
When does it make sense to talk to an attorney?
If your claim was denied, your treatment was denied, your rating seems low, more than one body part is involved, or the offer would close your future medical care, a free consultation costs you nothing.
Related questions
When should I hire a workers’ compensation attorney?
You may benefit from talking with an attorney if your claim has been denied or delayed, you're having trouble getting medical treatment or disability payments, your employer disputes that the injury happened at work, or you've been asked to attend a deposition or medical-legal evaluation.
You should also get advice before you agree to a settlement, especially if you may need future medical care or can't return to your usual job. You don't need to wait until your case feels unmanageable to ask for help.
How much does a California workers’ compensation attorney cost?
You don't pay a workers' compensation attorney an upfront fee or an hourly rate.
The fee is a percentage of the benefits we get for you, and a workers' compensation judge must approve it.
The fee is ordinarily deducted from your settlement or award, so you don't pay it out of pocket while your case is open.
General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts of your case.
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