In the settlement of a back-to-work with restrictions case, the worker will also consider his/her education and work skills. The more education and the more job skills a worker has, the easier it is to get employed. Less education and few job skills can make getting a new job harder or impossible.
If getting a new job will be relatively easy, then the worker may be more likely to agree to a lower settlement. But if the worker is not educated or trained for new work, then he/she needs to fight for every dollar possible. Workers without a high school diploma who have only done heavy manual labor will not be ready for most sedentary jobs because most sedentary jobs require some college and some marketable skills.
Remember, retraining may be an option for some workers especially in light of the new North Carolina Worker’s Compensation law. The cost of retraining and the lost income while retraining can help pressure an employer insurance carrier to settle a worker’s compensation claim.
North Carolina Lawyer Joe Miller Knows Settlement Pros and Cons
Settling a case prematurely can foreclose your rights. Before you settle, an injured worker should review his/her skills and education. It’s important to have a solid feel for the likelihood of getting new work. To make sure you review all the correct items when you’re injured in North Carolina, Call Joe Miller Law at 888-694-1671 and ask for me, Joe Miller, or email me at jmiller@joemillerinjurylaw.com. I’ve been helping clients like you for over 25 years.
