Settlement
A settlement is just that. It settles a claim once and for all . Upon accepting the negotiated settlement funds, you will be told over and over again that the acceptance of the settlement funds and the signing of one’s name on settlement papers forever releases the maritime worker’s company and the insurance company from any future responsibility. The consequences of your actions, no matter how desperate your financial position may be, must be thoroughly considered by you and your family. You are, in effect, signing away all of your legal rights under the law in return for the funds offered.
Thankfully, not all injuries are so severe as to disqualify the maritime worker from continuing his career in the maritime community. Often times, this lack of seriousness of an injury suggests that the worker consider a settlement of the claim without the necessity of hiring an attorney or filing a lawsuit. Additionally, some claims have no legal basis or foundation, either the company was not at fault or the maritime worker was not in fact injured at all. Those claims should not be filed. Frivolous lawsuits only cause damage to those individuals with valid legal claims.
In any case, however, it is urged that discussing such a settlement with competent legal counsel is mandatory. That is not to say to go out to hire an attorney. Our firm has, on many occasions, given counsel and aid to a worker to settle a claim, without the necessity of filing suit.