Is every claim settled with a lump sum?
No. A Compromise and Release is commonly paid as a lump sum. Stipulations With Request for Award generally provide permanent disability payments over time and may preserve future medical treatment. A judge can also issue Findings and Award after trial.
Can I settle before MMI?
A proposed settlement can be presented before the medical picture is fully stable, but the WCAB must determine whether the agreement is adequate. Settling early can involve additional uncertainty because lasting impairment and future treatment may not yet be clear.
Does MMI mean treatment ends?
No. MMI or P&S describes medical stability for disability evaluation. A worker can still require future medical treatment. I often use the example of losing a finger. You can treat until you are stable, but you may need additional treatment in the future if complications from that injury manifest.
Is future medical care part of the permanent disability award?
Future medical treatment is a separate benefit. It may remain open under an award or be addressed and released in a C&R.
Does surgery guarantee a larger settlement?
No. California does not assign a fixed settlement increase to surgery. Its significance depends on lasting impairment, future treatment, causation, disputed issues, and settlement terms.
Are all reported body parts added together?
No. Claimed body parts and conditions require medical support and industrial causation. Ratable impairments are handled under the applicable rating rules and generally are not simply added together.
Do I need an attorney?
No. California does not require an injured worker to hire an attorney. DWC provides free procedural help through Information and Assistance officers, although those officers do not represent workers as attorneys. They can also assist on adequacy of a settlement, if asked.
Does hiring an attorney increase settlement value?
There is no authoritative California rule guaranteeing that representation increases a settlement. An attorney may assist with evidence, deadlines, disputes, ratings, and settlement analysis, but results remain case-specific.