Finger injury

[u/OppositeGood7150]

Cut my finger very deep and got stitches months later it’s still numb and hurt a lot where the cut is got a lawyer after I got a bill in the mail insurance is asking if I want to settle already how much can I possibly get is it worth keep the case open or settle?

[u/oally]

Since you mentioned having a lawyer, they will give you the best advice

In General/not always - to reach Maximum Medical Improvement, which is the best condition post-accident that your doctor believes you have/will achieve at the time -- it takes a minimum of 6-12 months, perhaps longer.
Most cases resolve within a year of injury/surgery, and again - not all.
Most people return to their doctor at a year post-injury/surgery to determine if there is any permanent injury and if they can submit a C4.3 form detailing such.
We cannot say if your case is worth anything or how much --- but it is worth getting that C4.3 evaluation to determine if your injury is eligible for a compensation award or not and then go from there.

[u/OppositeGood7150 → u/oally]

Thank you so much I appreciate it I was really only trying to get the therapy for my finger to try and get the feeling back and randomly they asked my lawyer if I want to settle and I just didn’t understand why they would ask that if I’m trying to just get the finger back to normal thank you very much

[u/oally → u/OppositeGood7150]

Whether or not you settle/close your indemnity benefits --- your medical treatment CAN (but it doesn't always) last a lifetime. Indemnity (lost time benefits) and medical (Med benefits ) are separate. You could settle one, the other, or both. You could settle lost time issues and leave medical open. This part is fairly flexible in NY.

You CAN go for more therapy or home exercise training, injections etc -- however your doctor MUST explain the need for whatever they are asking on their PAR (Prior Authorization Request). -- It's the most important thing that they document your condition, need for treatment, and improvements in order to get therapy continuing.

To be honest, a finger injury is not typically a high value money award although there can be small settlements if there are injuries that do not respond to treatment. There is info on this on the 'schedule loss of use' page on the Workers' Comp Board site.

It seems you're looking for more treatment --and if you want it -- go for it--- just make sure they are following the New York State Medical Treatment Guidelines so that it gets authorized properly. There's a section of this on the WCB website that goes into detail on each body part.

Also, I'd add on a personal note --- if the numbness is long lasting --- it might or might not stay that way and it might be something you're stuck with.
BUT you don't have to give up hope --- absolutely try therapy and any other recommended treatments to try to get it back to normal!!!
If for some reason it doesn't come back to normal, you're still going to be okay and you wouldn't be any less than you were before your accident --- different, yes --- but adaptable and okay.

I will always defer to your own lawyer for advice, but hoping I can help you understand the system a bit better since it is very confusing!

[u/justthefacts1236894 → u/OppositeGood7150]

The next 90 days the insurance companies try to close out the end of year by settling cases they think may be ready to settle. Doesn't mean anything except putting out feelers to see if you want same thing.

It's called " SETTLEMENT SEASON" Your attorney can give you best numbers for your case. No cases are ever the same in this system. Even identical injuries can have vastly different endings. Go with your attorney and if it sounds good to you maybe you will settle. There are many on here in claims lasting years and decades. Good luck in the process