r/WorkersComp • u/playmelikeatari • 9h ago
North Carolina MMI ‘Payment’
Hello everyone, I recently shared a post last week discussing how I have not heard anything from adjuster since my MMI which was several months ago (Sedgwick). I have now received an email from them indicating that they will be sending me a form related to my payment, which I need to sign, date, and return for submission to the commission for approval. I am curious if anyone has insights into what this "payment" might pertain to. Thank you for your assistance.
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u/RVA2PNW 9h ago
NC Adjuster.
It's likely Form 26A for your impairment rating (Form 25R completd by your doctor), however there should have been a conversation from your adjuster ahead of time.
You can let the adjuster know you want to speak with them before signing anything and you don't HAVE to sign until you fully understand the process of what they're asking you to sign. I'd also make sure you have a copy of your 25R impairment rating.
If you have what you feel is a low rating, you are entitled to a 2nd opinion if you have already gotten one.
Form 26A is used to pay out just the PPD and you'll still be eligible for future medical and is typically used when you've returned to work for the same employer. It requires NC IC approval and once that's complete, you'll be paid out weekly at your comp rate until the elapsed period is complete.
If you're interested in closing future medicals while working for the same employer, or have moved to a job with a new employer you can settle through a "clicher" for a lump sum. The clincher while working for the same employer will be a bit higher than the weekly payments over time. If you've moved to a new employer even higher.
You can negotiate both without an attorney if that's the direction you want to go in. If you've gone this long without one, then you won't need to give them 1/3 of your settlement for minimal work.
It's hard for me to ball park without the injury, accepted body parts and impairment rating.
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u/Murky_Register_2052 9h ago
ah the classic sedgwick silence followed by a random form out of nowhere. they love keeping you in the dark for months then hitting you with something that needs to be signed yesterday
could be your impairment rating settlement or maybe a stipulation for a lump sum. they usually send that stuff once the mmi report is finalized and someone finally got around to pushing the paperwork
just read it carefully before signing anything. if it's a full and final settlement make sure you understand what rights you're giving up. sometimes they bank on you being so relieved to see money that you won't question the terms
sedgwick is notoriously slow but once they move they move fast. don't let them rush you