Minnesota residents who have been injured in an accident at work or who may have developed medical conditions or illnesses from a work-related environment or situation should understand the process that may be involved with a workers’ compensation settlement and what exactly a workers’ compensation settlement entails.
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, an official settlement is not always required in order for you to be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you enter into an official settlement, you may be prevented from receiving benefits from any previous or future claims. If you choose to enter into a formal settlement, you would first create a Stipulation for Settlement that details the facts of your case including any treatment required or obtained as well as your position and your employer’s or the insurer’s position on the matter. Full documentation would be required as would a detailed accounting of any agreement between the involved parties.
A judge must review and approve any Stipulation for Settlement which then creates an Award on Stipulation. It is only at this point that the settlement is complete. It is possible for you to agree to a settlement that only pertains to one part of your case or situation or you may create a settlement agreement that covers the entire situation.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give Minnesota residents an overview of what a workers’ compensation settlement is and whether or not one is always needed.