
The Workers’ Compensation Board has now issued guidance indicating that it will disapprove a Section 32 agreement if it becomes aware that as a condition of entering into the settlement agreement, the parties entered into a separate agreement which terms are not included in the agreement submitted to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Full Answer
What happens after a section 32 settlement is provisionally approved?
If all parties involved in a Section 32 settlement sign the agreement, the Section 32 settlement is provisionally approved. Upon provisional approval, all parties involved have 10 days to call off the agreement. Once this 10 day period is over, the Workers’ Compensation Board makes a formal decision to approve the Section 32 settlement.
What is a section 32 settlement in workers’ compensation?
Specifically, a Section 32 settlement is an agreement between an injured worker and their employer’s insurance company or third party administrator who is responsible for processing Workers’ Compensation payments. A Section 32 settlement cannot be court ordered, and must be a voluntary agreement. What Does A Section 32 Settlement Cover?
How long do I have to cancel a section 32 agreement?
With a Section 32 agreement, you only have ten days after your settlement hearing to cancel in writing or the settlement is final, even if your condition worsens. In both cases, agreements require a judge’s approval.
Why hire MCV law for a section 32 settlement?
For over 30 years, MCV Law’s Workers’ Compensation Attorneys have helped injured workers navigate the Section 32 settlement process. Injured workers should seek professional, experienced legal representation by contacting a Workers’ Compensation lawyer.

How long do most workers comp settlements take?
around 12-18 monthsHow Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement for Workers' Comp? The entire settlement process—from filing your claim to having the money in your hands—can take around 12-18 months depending on the details of your case and whether or not you have legal representation.
How long does it take to settle a workers comp case in NY?
about 16 monthsThe average workers' compensation case will be resolved within about 16 months. A resolution may result in a settlement agreement or a hearing with a judge. Under 20% of cases will be resolved within the first six months.
What is the biggest workers comp settlement?
a $10 millionTo date, the largest settlement payment in a workers' comp case came in March of 2017, with a $10 million settlement agreement.
Does surgery increase workers comp settlement in New York?
Depending on your specific situation, having surgery may increase the total value of your workers' compensation case – particularly if you still have some level of disability after the surgery. Importantly, New York workers' compensation settlements are often final, particularly when they involve a lump sum payment.
How long can you stay on workers comp in NYS?
225 to 525 weeksThe length of time you can stay out on workers' compensation will range from 225 to 525 weeks. However, the number of weeks and amount of money you can collect from workers' comp for your work-related injury each week will vary, depending upon your individual circumstances.
What is a favorable IME?
If the case is not in litigation, the answer to what the employer will do with the IME report depends on what it says. If the report is favorable to you and indicates that your condition and/or ability to work is unchanged, the employer may do nothing with the report or may try to settle your case.
How long does it take to get the Rtwsp check?
An eligibility determination will be made within 60 days. Privacy Notice on Collection of Personal Information: The Department of Industrial Relations will use the personal information collected below to determine your eligibility for, and pay the benefit authorized by Labor Code § 139.48.
Can I collect unemployment after workers comp settlement California?
It is possible to collect unemployment after a workers' compensation settlement, but oftentimes a resignation letter will become part of the settlement deal. If you signed off on the resignation letter then you will no longer be able to collect unemployment.
What is a stipulation with request for award?
A California Stipulation with Request for Award is a written agreement between the injured worker and the insurance company as to what benefits are due. The agreement is approved by a judge. The approval is called a Stipulated Award. The insurance company then pays the benefits stated in the Award.
How much are body parts worth in workers compensation?
of Labor the average weekly wage is $483), your arm would be "worth" $124,800....Why is a thumb worth more than a finger?Body part lostCompensationBig toe$15,200Second finger$12,000Third finger$10,000Any toe other than big toe$6,4008 more rows•Jun 11, 2002
What is the average workers comp settlement for a shoulder injury in NY?
While the exact amount varies, you will most likely receive about two-thirds of your salary before your shoulder injury. Some states put a limit on how long you can receive workers' compensation payments. For example, in New York, you can receive it for up to 525 weeks if you have lost all your earning capacity.
How much of a settlement to expect for a herniated disc workers comp ny?
$40,000 to $80,000The average workers' compensation settlement for herniated discs can range from $40,000 to $80,000. In some situations, those settlement awards can be higher. You need to remember that no two cases are the same, and your specific circumstances may result in a lower or higher settlement.
How is workers comp settlement calculated in NY?
The formula used by the New York State Workers' Compensation Board to calculate weekly settlement payments is as follows: Weekly Rate: 2/3 x average weekly wage x % of disability (for example, partial disability or temporary disability)
How much does NYS workers Comp pay?
Compensation Rates An injured employee is entitled to a compensation rate equal to two-thirds of the average weekly wage (AWW) in New York State for the 52-week period immediately prior to the date of accident. The rate is subject to prescribed maximums and degree of disability.
How long does it take to get a workers comp hearing in NY?
Your hearing should typically take place within 1-3 months from the date in which the insurance company notified the Board of the contest of claim. The court is encouraging the hearings to take place within 45 days.
What is the average workers comp settlement for a shoulder injury in NY?
While the exact amount varies, you will most likely receive about two-thirds of your salary before your shoulder injury. Some states put a limit on how long you can receive workers' compensation payments. For example, in New York, you can receive it for up to 525 weeks if you have lost all your earning capacity.
What is a Section 32 Settlement?
A Section 32 settlement is an agreement that results in a final payment to an injured worker. Specifically, a Section 32 settlement is an agreement between an injured worker and their employer’s insurance company or third party administrator who is responsible for processing Workers’ Compensation payments.
How is Section 32 settlement determined?
The amount that an injured worker can receive from a Section 32 settlement is determined by what the insurance company or third party administrator is likely to pay an injured worker in the future as it relates to Lost Wages or medical expenses.
What Is MMI & How Does It Relate to A Section 32 Settlement?
MMI refers to Maximum Medical Improvement. Maximum Medical Improvement is a legal term that describes an injured workers’ condition as it relates to their recovery from their work related injuries. If an injured worker has achieved Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), this means that the injured worker has recovered from their work related injuries and no further improvements can be reasonably expected
What is Section 32?
Reduced Earnings payments refer to the compensation an injured worker receives to make up the difference between what an injured worker was paid at a job before they were injured and the reduced income an injured worker receives after an injury.
How long does it take for a Section 32 settlement to be approved?
The employer’s insurance company or third party administrator must then make Section 32 settlement payments within 10 days of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s decision.
What factors determine Section 32 settlement?
There are a lot of factors that go in to determining the right amount for a Section 32 settlement. Between Lost Wages, potential medical expenses, and complex legalese, there’s a lot for an injured worker to figure out to get the most favorable Section 32 settlement possible.
What is required for a Section 32 settlement in New York?
As part of this written agreement, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires a disclosure form, and an attorney’s fee request. Once the agreement, disclosure form and attorney fee request are filed with the Workers’ Compensation Board, a hearing is scheduled.
What happens if you get a Section 32 settlement?
Remember, once a Section 32 settlement is made, your case is considered closed and you are entitled to nothing further.
How long do you have to cancel a Section 32 settlement?
With a Section 32 agreement, you only have ten days after your settlement hearing to cancel in writing or the settlement is final, even if your condition worsens. In both cases, agreements require a judge’s approval. For a stipulation agreement, you will have a settlement hearing, where the judge will review your settlement to make sure it is fair ...
What is a stipulation agreement in New York?
In New York, besides Section 32, there is another type of settlement, called a stipulation agreement. Stipulation agreements occur in cases where you and the insurance company agree on both the extent of your disability and how much you should receive in workers’ compensation benefits. If this happens, you and the insurance company would sign ...
What is a stipulation hearing?
For a stipulation agreement, you will have a settlement hearing, where the judge will review your settlement to make sure it is fair and reasonable and that you understand the terms of your settlement.
What is lump sum settlement?
A lump-sum settlement can help an injured worker who is struggling financially to pay off mounting bills. A settlement eliminates the chance that a worker may lose at a workers’ compensation hearing. There are dangers in accepting a Section 32 settlement, however. Section 32 settlements usually end a workers’ compensation case for good, ...
What is Section 32 in New York?
A Section 32 settlement in New York is an agreement between an injured worker and their employer’s insurance company or a third-party administrator responsible for processing workers’ compensation payments. This agreement is a mutually-agreed-upon contract between injured laborer and employer guaranteeing a one-time, generally tax-free, ...
What are the advantages of Section 32?
Advantages of Section 32 settlements include: Since the settlements are agreed upon by both the laborer and the employer, a Section 32 settlement can avoid and bypass additional litigation and debate. A lump-sum settlement can help an injured worker who is struggling financially to pay off mounting bills. A settlement eliminates the chance that ...
What is a Section 32 waiver?
Section 32 Waiver Agreements are a negotiated agreement between the injured worker and the insurance carrier to settle indemnity and/or medical benefits on a claim. A waiver agreement ends the right of an injured worker to ongoing and future benefits in exchange for a lump sum payment or an annuity. If agreed upon and approved by the Board, whatever is settled (indemnity and/or medical benefits) is closed forever. The insurance carrier will no longer be responsible for that part of the claim and it cannot be reopened. If indemnity benefits are settled, no further payments for lost wages will be made. If medical benefits are settled, the insurance carrier will no longer pay for medical care. A waiver agreement is not binding unless it is approved by the Workers' Compensation Board.
Who should execute the C-32E?
The person who electronically signs Section 32 Waiver Agreements on behalf of the payer should execute the Form C-32E on one occasion. The original signed version of Form C-32E should be maintained by the payer.
What form is required for Section 32 waiver?
For Section 32 Waiver Agreements that settle indemnity only, the Board has created a mandatory Form 32-I ( Settlement Agreement - Section 32 WCL Indemnity Only Settlement Agreement) which must be submitted in addition to Forms C-32 and C-32.1.
Who should copy the C-32E?
The payer should copy Form C-32E and complete the case information.
What happens if you settle your indemnity?
If indemnity benefits are settled, no further payments for lost wages will be made. If medical benefits are settled, the insurance carrier will no longer pay for medical care. A waiver agreement is not binding unless it is approved by the Workers' Compensation Board. In certain circumstances, the Board will use a desk review process, ...
Can you continue to receive workers comp?
Workers’ Comp – Section 32 Settlements. The process for continuing to receive workers’ compensation benefits can be unappealing for people who suffer long-term injuries. In such cases, it may make sense to finalize a workers’ compensation case, accept a lump-sum payment and move on.
Does Section 32 settlement close?
Maximizing Your Section 32 Settlement. Your settlement does not have to close your entire claim. Depending on your specific situation, there may be a reason to leave part of your claim open.
Can an insurance company settle a Section 32 claim?
The insurance company would love nothing more than for you to enter into an agreement that you are unsure about, leaving you without the benefits you need to preserve your quality of life. Before going any further it is in your best interest to contact us for a consultation about your Section 32 settlement options.
What is a Section 32 settlement?
Specifically, a Section 32 settlement is an agreement between an injured worker and their employer’s insurance company or third party administrator who is responsible for processing Workers’ Compensation payments. A Section 32 settlement cannot be court ordered, and must be a voluntary agreement. What Does A Section 32 Settlement Cover? ...
How is Section 32 settlement determined?
The amount that an injured worker can receive from a Section 32 settlement is determined by what the insurance company or third party administrator is likely to pay an injured worker in the future as it relates to Lost Wages or medical expenses. However, in some cases, the amount of a Section 32 settlement can be determined by ...
What is required for a Section 32 settlement in New York?
As part of this written agreement, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires a disclosure form, and an attorney’s fee request. Once the agreement, disclosure form and attorney fee request are filed with the Workers’ Compensation Board, a hearing is scheduled.
How long does it take to get a Section 32 settlement?
Typically, the process from hearing to approved payment takes approximately 3 weeks.
What is Section 32?
Section 32 Settlements can consist of Reduced Earnings payments and/or Permanent Partial Disability payments. Reduced Earnings payments refer to the compensation an injured worker receives to make up the difference between what an injured worker was paid at a job before they were injured and the reduced income an injured worker receives after an injury.
What factors determine Section 32 settlement?
There are a lot of factors that go in to determining the right amount for a Section 32 settlement. Between Lost Wages, potential medical expenses, and complex legalese, there’s a lot for an injured worker to figure out to get the most favorable Section 32 settlement possible.
What is the most difficult decision a judge has to make?
The most difficult decision the judge has to make is the percentage of Loss of Wage Earning Capacity (LWEC), which takes in to account vocational factors, as well as your injury.
What is Section 32 settlement?
A Section 32 Settlement is negotiated between the injured worker and the insurance carrier. It serves to settle the indemnity and/or medical benefits of the workers’ claim. What many don’t realize is that there are two possible outcomes for a Section 32 Settlement; a one-time settlement or the closure of one part of the settlement while the other remains open.
Can a Section 32 settlement be reopened?
However, it’s important to note that the Board does not negotiate terms. It’s also important to know that a Section 32 Settlement cannot be reopened. Whatever is negotiated and agreed upon is permanently settled.
Should you leave the medical portion of a case open?
If your injury is extensive or you know you will need future medical treatment, it is wise to leave the medical portion of the case open. Any lost wages will be settled while allowing for future medical benefits to be paid. It ends your right to weekly payments in exchange for one lump sum, so you should budget the payment before agreeing to it.

What Is A Section 32 Settlement?
- A Section 32 settlement is an agreement that results in a final payment to an injured worker. Specifically, a Section 32 settlement is an agreement between an injured worker and their employer’s insurance company or third party administrator who is responsible for processing Workers’ Compensation payments. A Section 32 settlement cannot be court or...
What Does A Section 32 Settlement Cover?
- Specifically, a Section 32 settlement covers the Lost Wage portion and/or medical portion of a Workers’ Compensation case. The amount that an injured worker can receive from a Section 32 settlement is determined by what the insurance company or third party administrator is likely to pay an injured worker in the future as it relates to Lost Wages or medical expenses. However, in …
Section 32 Settlements & PPD Payments
- PPD Payments refer to Permanent Partial Disability Payments. Permanent Partial Disability Payments are Workers’ Compensation benefits that are provided to injured workers based on permanent physical impairment or reduced earnings. Permanent Partial Disabilities are defined as a work related injury that have a permanent negative impact on a worker’s ability to perform wor…
Section 32 Settlements & Reduced Earnings Payments
- Section 32 Settlements can consist of Reduced Earnings payments and/or Permanent Partial Disability payments. Reduced Earnings payments refer to the compensation an injured worker receives to make up the difference between what an injured worker was paid at a job before they were injured and the reduced income an injured worker receives after an injury. For example, Joh…
When Will I Get A Section 32 Settlement?
- Discussions about a Section 32 settlement most often occur either right before MMI is discovered or permanency proceedings begin. Both MMI and permanency proceedings are relevant in determining future medical expenses that are related to a workplace injury.
What Is MMI & How Does It Relate to A Section 32 Settlement?
- MMI refers to Maximum Medical Improvement. Maximum Medical Improvement is a legal term that describes an injured workers’ condition as it relates to their recovery from their work related injuries. If an injured worker has achieved Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), this means that the injured worker has recovered from their work related injuries and no further improvements c…
Section 32 Settlements & Permanency Proceedings
- Permanency proceedings refer to the legal process that determines the level of permanency resulting from the injury and the impact the impairment has on the workers earning capacity. Permanency is also known as how permanent or long lasting an injured workers’ injuries or related symptoms will affect an injured worker. The most difficult decision the judge has to make is the …
How Is A Section 32 Settlement paid?
- A Section 32 settlement must first be agreed upon in writing. As part of this written agreement, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires a disclosure form, and an attorney’s fee request. Once the agreement, disclosure form and attorney fee request are filed with the Workers’ Compensation Board, a hearing is scheduled. This hearing is a significant step toward …
How A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help with A Section 32 Settlement
- There are a lot of factors that go in to determining the right amount for a Section 32 settlement. Between Lost Wages, potential medical expenses, and complex legalese, there’s a lot for an injured worker to figure out to get the most favorable Section 32 settlement possible. For over 30 years, MCV Law’s Workers’ Compensation Attorneys have helped injured workers navigate the S…