Claims Settlement
Claim settlement allows the parties to the claim to enter into a legal agreement regarding future workers’ compensation benefits. An employer, an injured worker or BrickStreet may initiate settlement of a claim.
The parties can settle indemnity benefits, medical benefits or both.
Indemnity benefits are the monetary benefits an injured worker may be entitled to. They include:
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temporary total disability benefits
permanent partial disability benefits
vocational rehabilitation benefits
and/or permanent total disability benefits. |
Settling the indemnity portion of a claim on a final basis closes the claim for any future entitlements to monetary benefits.
Medical portion - Settling the medical portion of a claim on a final basis closes the claim for payment of all medical services and/or medications related to the claim.
If an injured worker is receiving Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare within 30 months from the settlement agreement, a settlement for medical benefits may require approval by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services before a final agreement can be reached and a portion of the settlement proceeds may have to be set aside to cover future medical expenses related to the claim.
Note: Settlement of a claim is different than the granting of a permanent partial disability award.
Permanent partial disability award - granted based on a rating made by a qualified physician as to permanent impairment sustained as a result of your injury. Payment does not interfere with future medical treatment or future entitlements.
Injured workers who never received an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) to determine permanent impairment may request an evaluation in writing or contact your claims adjuster to discuss this evaluation.
To settle a claim, complete the Settlement Application.