We got a call from a frustrated and paranoid guy who had settled his case for $150,000. That’s a really big settlement for an Illinois work injury, but in his case, he could no longer work his high paying old job. Due to his injury and lack of education, a vocational counselor said that he could only earn $10 an hour.
We can’t ever tell for sure what a case is worth without reviewing medical records and other documents, but in this case I was able to tell that given his wage loss, the value of his case was probably closer to $250,000 or more, especially knowing that he was in his 20’s. The caller had heard something similar from another attorney and has convinced himself that the insurance company bribed his lawyer to get him to recommend a lower settlement.
Now I know two things for sure: 1. This case was not well handled and is worth more money. 2. There is no way the lawyer, whoever it was, got bought off by the insurance company or anyone else. It just doesn’t happen. If an insurance company got caught doing that, they could be shut down which could be a billion dollar loss. If a lawyer got caught they’d lose their license and possibly go to jail. Even if they offered a lawyer an extra few dollars, it wouldn’t be worth the risk, especially considering the attorney could get that money by just doing their job. This is movie stuff that just doesn’t happen.
But the real reason for his call was that he wanted to re-open the case since he’s learned that he got a low settlement. Unfortunately that is impossible. Once the settlement contracts are signed by both parties and approved by an Arbitrator, the case is over and can not be re-opened to get more money or treatment for any reason.
He is out of luck. So before you settle a case, make sure you are 100% happy and ready for the case to be over. If you aren’t don’t sign. It’s way better to settle too late than to settle too early. Your lawyer might not like it because they won’t get their money, but who cares about their happiness. This is your case and you have to be the only one happy with the final result.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.