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LIFETIME MEDICAL BENEFITS

Being injured on the job is never easy, and attempting to navigate the path toward just compensation can make the matter that much more complicated. Many people are confused by offers of lifetime medical benefits (over more traditional lump-sum settlements), but understanding the differences can help you better understand your claim. Every workers’ compensation claim is distinct, and because the outcome of your claim is so important to your recovery, it’s always in your best interest to work closely with an experienced Joliet workers’ compensation attorney.

OUR WORKERS’ COMP LAWYER CAN ASSIST WITH YOUR WORK INJURY CLAIM

Traditional Settlements

Traditional workers’ compensation settlements are generally paid out in a lump sum (or in structured settlements that spread the payments out). This approach ensures that all of the following are true:

Once you have your settlement, there’s no waiting period when it comes to pursuing the medical treatment that you need.
You won’t need to wait for approval from the workers’ compensation insurance company when choosing your doctor, course of treatment, or anything else.
The workers’ compensation insurance company is effectively out of your case once you sign off on a settlement.

Lifetime Medical Benefits Defined

Lifetime medical benefits mean that the workers’ compensation insurance company will remain involved in both your medical treatment and in paying your medical bills (as they relate to your job-related injuries) over the course of your lifetime. You won’t have to worry about copays and deductibles, and you can count on all of your relevant medical expenses being paid – regardless of whether or not you remain employed with your original employer.

Carefully Weighing Your Options

While lifetime medical benefits can be a good option, every case is unique, and this path may or may not be the best choice for you. The following factors sometimes translate to cons in the decision-making process and should be taken into careful consideration:

Burden of Proof – You will need to prove that you need the treatment in question before it will be covered. The workers’ compensation insurance company will not necessarily agree with your doctor’s recommendations. Ultimately, the provider must deem the requested treatment reasonable, necessary, and related to your workplace injury at every juncture in the process.
Pre-Approval – Many medical providers require pre-approval by workers’ compensation insurance companies before they will move forward with treatment.

Lost Earnings May Not Apply – Even if your medical treatment is approved, it doesn’t mean that you will be compensated for your related lost earnings (during your recovery process).

In other words, obtaining the medical treatment that you need can be slowed down or even thwarted by your decision to settle for lifetime medical benefits. Before accepting a workers’ compensation settlement offer, it is important to discuss your concerns with a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney.

An Experienced Joliet Workers’ Compensation Attorney Is on Your Side

Danielle Pinkston at Pinkston Law Group, P.C., in Joliet, Illinois, is a well-respected workers’ compensation attorney who has the legal savvy to help you obtain a settlement (or court award) that works for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.

EXPERIENCED WORKERS COMP & PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Whether you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim, a civil rights violation, or a personal injury case, you and your family’s best interests are our top priority. Ms. Danielle A. Pinkston of Pinkston Law Group utilizes her extensive legal knowledge to resolve your case, no matter how complex it may be. We share your goals and work closely with you, delivering the exceptional services you need.