Section 32 Settlement Lawyers NY - Workers' Compensation Law Firm, OGA

Injured workers must understand the risks of accepting a Section 32 Settlement that is inadequate for their needs. By contacting a qualified and experienced Section 32 Settlement Attorney will they have someone on their side with the experience to determine if an offer provides an adequate amount of compensation.

Workers' Compensation Section 32 Settlement Law Firm Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Servings Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

What is a Section 32 Settlement?

A Section 32 settlement is an agreement between a worker and the insurer. The insurer or insurance company may offer an annuity or lump sum payment to end all or part of the compensation benefits. For example, it may replace lost wages and medical costs or only the wages. The injured party can accept or decline any settlement offer, but an accepted offer is irreversible once it has been approved and the ten-day waiting period expires. All workers' compensation settlements must be approved by the Workers' Compensation Board. After an approval, there is a ten-day waiting period, during which either party can withdraw from the agreement before the settlement becomes final.

Who Qualifies for a Settlement?

Anyone who has an injury at work can settle and close out all or part of their workers' compensation claim, but a settlement is voluntary for the injured worker and the insurance company. There is not an automatic entitlement to a settlement of a claim. If the parties agree, a settlement can occur at any time during the pendency of the workers' compensation claim.

Why is Having a Lawyer Important?

Injured workers should talk to a Section 32 Settlement lawyer before accepting any binding contract from an insurer. Some claimants will benefit from a lump sum payment, and others could become financially harmed under the agreement. A settlement can affect a claim for future injuries so it is important a lawyer evaluates the settlement.

The most concerning issue with a Section 32 agreement is with medical care. Workers' compensation covers the medical expenses for on-the-job injuries and the cost of transportation to these visits. After a Section 32 agreement, the injured worker may need to pay for all or some the costs themselves. If the injury causes the employee to have unexpected surgery or stay in therapy longer, the expense could become overwhelming. The problem becomes more complicated if the employee cannot return to work when expected because of the worsening severity of the injury. They will not receive more compensation payments after a settlement, regardless of how much worse their injury or illness becomes.

What is the Average Section 32 Settlement Amount?

There is no set amount for a Section 32 Settlement. A Section 32 Settlement is negotiated between the injured worker and the insurance company. There is a wide array of variables involved in a settlement that prevents a reliable estimate. The amount of the section 32 settlement will vary based on the earnings of the injured worker, how long the injured worker has received the compensation, and how long they will be expected to receive wages in the future. Among many other factors, the medical care needed for the injury or illness, the lost income amount, and much more can affect what amount the insurance company agrees to offer in a settlement. It is important to have a lawyer experienced in all aspects of the workers' compensation claims to receive the best settlement.

Workers' Compensation Section 32 Client Testimonial

"I called OGA Law because I worried if I had received a fair settlement offer. One tends to trust the offer they receive as being everything you're entitled to. I was thinking it was best to double check. Sure enough there was room for improvement. My lawyer negotiated with my insurer to settle for the compensation but continue my medical coverage. It gives me peace of mind to know my medical treatments for my injury will stay covered."

- Janine S. Middletown, New York

Man filling Out Forms At Workers' Compensation Section 32 Settlement Law Firm Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Servings Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

Why You Should Consider a Legal Consultation - A Section 32 Settlement Case Study

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research released a report on workers' compensation settlements on December 21, 2010. The authors concluded that claimants do not always take the time to review or negotiate the agreement offer they receive, resulting in significant underpayments for severe disparities.

In addition, the lump-sum amount can seem generous if the individual does not consider how much their injury may continue to affect their earning potential.

Also included in the discussion was the need for a more in-depth review of medical implications in every case and how the specific injury or illness could impact the individual financially after the settlement.

The same concerns expressed in this study continue today, over a decade later. Injured workers must understand the risks of accepting a Section 32 Settlement that is inadequate for their needs. Only by contacting a Section 32 Settlement Attorney will they have someone on their side with the experience to determine if an offer provides an adequate amount of compensation.

Featured Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Workers' Compensation Attorney

Jaime A. Adames, Esq., part of our team since 2010, is one of OGA Law's newest members. A New York native and graduate of the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, Jaime has extensive experience with workers' compensation cases. His calm demeanor makes him especially valuable for clients involved in high-stress disagreements.

Jamie is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey, is bi-lingual, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Rockland County Bar Association, and the Injured Workers' Bar Association. Jaime enjoys time with his family and dogs during his free time and is also an avid music, sports, and movie fan.

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Convenient Office Locations

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews is a leading Workers' Compensation Section 32 Settlement law firm that helps its clients avoid accepting unfair agreements that could cause financial harm. Our firm wants all workers to have access to reliable legal advice. We offer four convenient office locations for our clients to ensure we are available to everyone.

88 Market Street in Poughkeepsie NY
843 Union Avenue in New Windsor NY
100 Crystal Run Road, Suite 112 in Middletown NY
2 Executive Boulevard, Suite 410 in Suffern NY

Contact OGA Law Section 32 Settlement Attorneys for a Free Consultation

For over 45 years, the Law Firm of Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews has defended the rights of injured workers. All employees should be able to continue to provide for themselves and their families after an injury.

Our team has the experience to help you. One of our Section 32 Settlement attorneys can explain the potential future costs. They can present a reasonable counteroffer to the insurer or decline the agreement entirely based on the case. We offer free consultations at all locations. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Please contact us today.