In Illinois Workers Compensation cases, settlements are about more than money.
Settlements also cover medical bills and close out future medical treatment.
Recently, an insurance company lawyer told me he had a pro se , a person who was not represented by a lawyer, with a settlement contract approved. The problem: the medical records showed he had continuing knee problems and the doctor said a total knee replacement would be needed at some point. The Arbitrator over looked this and approved the contracts. This results in the person never having access to future medical treatment for his knee.
You must be very careful when settling your Work Comp case. No one is going to look out for you. Not the insurance company, not the Arbitrator. If you think you are going to need future medical treatment you need to discuss this with a lawyer.
Questions? Call Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.