Georgia workers’ compensation settlement paperwork with pen

Can You Get a Lump Sum Settlement in a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Case?

By Skip McManes - January 23, 2026 - Workers Compensation

Can You Get a Lump Sum Settlement in a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Case?

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be wondering whether you can receive your workers’ compensation
benefits in one lump sum payment instead of weekly checks. For many injured workers, a lump sum settlement
sounds appealing — immediate financial relief, certainty, and the ability to move forward.

However, lump sum settlements in Georgia workers’ compensation cases are not guaranteed,
and accepting one too early can have serious long-term consequences.

Below, we explain how lump sum settlements work in Georgia, when they are most likely to occur,
and why speaking with an experienced
Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer
before accepting any settlement is critical.

What Is a Lump Sum Workers’ Compensation Settlement?

A lump sum settlement is a one-time payment that resolves part or all of a workers’ compensation claim.
Instead of continuing to receive weekly benefits, the injured worker agrees to accept a negotiated amount paid
in a single check.

In Georgia, lump sum settlements are voluntary. That means:

  • The injured worker must agree
  • The employer and insurance company must agree
  • The State Board of Workers’ Compensation must approve the settlement

Because settlements are final in most cases, it’s critical to understand what rights and benefits you may be
giving up before agreeing to one.

Are Lump Sum Settlements Guaranteed in Georgia?

No. Lump sum settlements are never guaranteed in Georgia workers’ compensation cases.
Insurance companies are not required to offer a settlement — even if your injury is serious or permanent.

Settlement decisions are driven by the insurance company’s financial interests, not by what is best for the
injured worker. This is why unrepresented workers are often pressured to accept settlements that do not reflect
the true value of their claim.

When Are Lump Sum Settlements Most Likely?

Although not guaranteed, lump sum settlements are more common under certain conditions:

1. You Have Reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Once your authorized treating physician determines that your condition has stabilized, the insurer can better
estimate future costs — making settlement discussions more likely.

2. A Permanent Disability Rating Has Been Assigned

If you receive a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating, the insurance company can calculate its long-term
exposure, often leading to settlement negotiations.

3. Mediation Is Scheduled

Many Georgia workers’ compensation cases resolve through mediation, where both sides attempt to reach a lump sum
settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party.

The Risks of Accepting a Lump Sum Settlement Too Early

While lump sum settlements can be beneficial, accepting one too early can permanently harm your case.

  • You may lose future medical benefits
  • You may not be compensated for complications or worsening conditions
  • You generally cannot reopen your claim later

Once a settlement is approved, it is usually final. This is why injured workers should never negotiate directly
with insurance adjusters without legal guidance.

Insurance company adjusters handle hundreds of workers’ compensation claims every year. They are trained to
minimize payouts and close claims quickly.

An experienced attorney can evaluate whether a settlement is appropriate, calculate the true value of your claim,
and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Learn more about lump sum negotiations on our
Lump Sum Settlements
page.

You Don’t Pay Unless You Collect

McManes Law represents injured workers throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia
in workers’ compensation cases.
You never pay upfront legal fees — you only pay if compensation is recovered.

Free Case Review

Before accepting any workers’ compensation settlement, protect yourself.

📞 Call (770) 645-8801 or complete our online form to schedule a
free case review. Skip McManes and his team will contact you within one business day to discuss
your case and your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lump Sum Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Many injured workers have similar questions when considering a lump sum
workers’ compensation settlement in Georgia. Below are answers to the most
common concerns we hear from clients before they agree to settle.

Can you get a lump sum settlement in a Georgia workers’ compensation case?

Yes, but lump sum settlements in Georgia workers’ compensation cases are voluntary and not guaranteed.
Both the injured worker and the insurance company must agree, and the settlement must be approved by
the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Are lump sum workers’ compensation settlements guaranteed?

No. Insurance companies are not required to offer lump sum settlements, even in serious or permanent
injury cases.

When is a lump sum settlement most likely?

Lump sum settlements are more common after maximum medical improvement (MMI), when a permanent
disability rating has been assigned, or during mediation.

Should I accept a lump sum workers’ compensation settlement without a lawyer?

No. Accepting a lump sum settlement without legal guidance can result in lost medical benefits and
reduced compensation. Speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer helps protect your rights.

Skip McManes

Skip McManes is a seasoned attorney with more than 20 years of experience in representing injured workers. Prior to dedicating his legal practice to this cause, he briefly worked as an insurance defense lawyer where he witnessed the unethical tactics of insurance companies. This motivated him to shift his focus to defending the rights of workers against these powerful entities. Skip obtained his education from Johnson High in Gainesville and the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in finance and a law degree. Despite his busy schedule, he remains an avid supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. Currently residing in Alpharetta, Georgia, Skip has been married for over two decades and has four children. His commitment to his clients and passion for justice are evident in his work, and he is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured on the job.