The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

How long does it take to settle a workers’ compensation case?

It takes as long as it takes. It should take long enough to do it right. Okay, so what is it in months? Well, probably about 18 months on average; or a little longer. Why, you ask?

Well because the hold up is your medical condition and the treatment it takes to get you to a point of maximum medical improvement. It’s all about doctor’s opinions. The sooner the doctor lets you go back to work or finish up with your treatment the lawyers can do the rest of their work to settle or try your care. 

Think of doctor opinions like you do gasoline in a car’s fuel tank. If there is no gas in the tank, then the car won’t start up. Same goes for the workers’ compensation benefits engine. If you don’t have a doctor’s opinion the work comp benefits engine won’t start. So doctor opinions are the fuel of the workers’ compensation benefits engine. Simply stated your work injury must be related to your work.

Now what kind of gas do you need? You need a positive doctor opinion that relates your injury and need for treatment to what you do at work.

Then you’ll need a medical opinion that says because of that injury or the need for medical treatment you need to be off of work. That’s a doctor’s work excuse.

And then you’ll need a doctor’s opinion saying you can go back to work. That’s a work release.

After you go back to work and you’re finished with treatment the doctor will decide if he thinks you have permanent impairment or activity restrictions.

All this takes time and has to be done in sequence. Nothing can be rushed or done sloppy.

So be patient; don’t worry it will get done, but in time.

Call us if you have questions. 1-515-222-1110 We even take email. sdlombardi@aol.com

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer.  Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for almost 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois.  Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.

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