DO I HAVE TO SETTLE MY CLAIM OR DOES THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE TO SETTLE?

DO I HAVE TO SETTLE MY CLAIM OR DOES THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE TO SETTLE? 

By Founding Partner/Attorney Chad Snow

Snow, Carpio & Weekley 

Many clients simply want to put the matter of their work injury behind them and get on with their life.  However, we cannot force an insurance company to settle a claim.

Insurance companies only settle a claim if they think they will pay less in the long run by giving the injured worker a lump sum of money now.  Likewise, an insurance company can’t force an injured worker to accept a settlement that the worker doesn’t feel is in his or her long term best interest.

All settlements of any issue in a work injury claim in Arizona must be reduced to writing in what is called a “compromise and settlement agreement”, must contain specific language, and must be approved by an administrative law judge from the industrial commission of Arizona.

If you have questions about settling a claim or seeing if an offer made to you is fair, you should definitely consult with an experienced Arizona work injury lawyer like those at Snow, Carpio, & Weekley.  In my experience, engaging an attorney usually results in a settlement at least double what the carrier would be willing to pay an unrepresented applicant.


For more information on Workers' Compensation or Social Security Disability, please contact Snow, Carpio & Weekley toll-free at 855-325-4781 or visit our website at www.workinjuryaz.com. We serve the entire State of Arizona and have offices located in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and Lake Havasu City.