Start with the issue actually in dispute
Settlement offer received is mainly a problem of rights being closed and future medical risk. Build the file around the written notice, dated record, or event that created the problem.
Documents to gather
Full settlement agreement, current medical status, benefit history, liens, fee agreement, and work restrictions.
Questions to answer before acting
- What changed, on what date, and who made the decision?
- Is there a written notice or only a phone conversation?
- Which medical, wage, employment, or incident record directly addresses the dispute?
- What state or federal agency procedure controls the next step?
- Is there a separate employment, third-party, leave, or discrimination issue that should not be mixed into the workers’ compensation question?
Important caution
Do not compare the headline amount without identifying what medical or wage rights are being released.