Waiting for a Section 32 settlement can feel like the longest part of a workers’ compensation claim.
Once you’ve agreed to settle, it’s only natural to wonder how much longer you’ll have to wait before everything is finalized and the payment arrives.
Some Section 32 settlements are completed in just a couple of months, while others take much longer due to negotiations, paperwork, medical records, or approval delays.
In this post, we’ll explain how long a Section 32 settlement takes, what can slow the process down, and what you can do to help keep your case moving forward.
How Long Does A Section 32 Settlement Take?
In many cases, a Section 32 settlement takes around two to six months from the start of negotiations to receiving your settlement payment.
Some straightforward cases may finish sooner, while more complicated claims can take longer.
The process usually happens in several stages.
First, both sides negotiate the settlement amount and terms. Once everyone reaches an agreement, the settlement documents are prepared and signed. After that, the Workers’ Compensation Board reviews the agreement before giving its approval.
Finally, the insurance company issues the settlement payment.
Each step sounds simple enough, but delays can happen at almost any point.
Also Read: Can Workers Comp People Follow You Around?
Factors That Can Affect The Timeline
Several things can affect how long a Section 32 settlement takes. Some are completely outside your control, while others can be managed with a little preparation.
Here are the biggest ones:
#1 Complexity Of The Injury
Simple claims usually move faster than complicated ones.
For example, if you’ve fully recovered from a minor injury and everyone agrees on your medical condition, settling the case is often much easier.
On the other hand, serious injuries involving multiple surgeries, ongoing treatment, permanent disability, or future medical care usually require more discussion before anyone is ready to settle.
The more questions there are about your long-term condition, the longer negotiations may last.
#2 Disputes Over Settlement Value
One of the biggest reasons settlements take extra time is disagreement over money.
The insurance company wants to pay as little as possible, while the injured worker wants fair compensation for giving up certain workers’ compensation benefits.
Also Read: Why Does Workers Comp Only Pay 2/3
Finding a number that both sides accept isn’t always quick.
Sometimes negotiations wrap up after a few conversations. Other times, they can continue for weeks or even months before everyone reaches common ground.
#3 Availability Of Medical Records
Medical records are important in any workers’ compensation settlement.
Your doctors’ reports help show the extent of your injuries, your treatment history, and your future medical needs.
If records are incomplete or a doctor hasn’t finished preparing a report, the settlement process may pause until everything is available.
That’s one reason it’s helpful to keep attending appointments and make sure your medical information stays current throughout your claim.
#4 Court Or Board Scheduling Delays
Even after everyone agrees on the settlement, there’s still another step.
A Section 32 settlement usually requires approval from the Workers’ Compensation Board.
That means your case must be scheduled for review or a hearing before it can become final.
Sometimes hearings are available fairly quickly. Other times, busy schedules or a backlog of cases create longer waiting periods.
Unfortunately, this part of the process isn’t something either side can control.
#5 Errors Or Missing Paperwork
Paperwork mistakes are surprisingly common.
A missing signature, incorrect date, incomplete form, or simple clerical error may require documents to be corrected and resubmitted.
While these issues are often easy to fix, they still add extra time to the process.
Before submitting settlement documents, it’s always worth taking a few extra minutes to review everything carefully.
Also Read: What Happens After Workers Comp Hearing?
#6 Insurance Company Response Times
Insurance companies don’t all work at the same pace.
Some respond quickly to settlement offers and document requests. Others take much longer, especially if additional reviews or approvals are needed inside the company.
Sometimes the claim is simply moving through the insurer’s internal review process, which can take longer than expected.
Can You Speed Up A Section 32 Settlement?
You can’t control every part of the process, but there are a few things that may help keep your settlement moving.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Respond promptly when your attorney or claims representative asks for information.
- Attend your medical appointments and keep your records updated.
- Review settlement documents carefully before signing them.
- Stay in regular contact with your attorney so you’re aware of any issues that need attention.
- Submit requested paperwork as soon as possible instead of letting it sit for days or weeks.
These steps won’t eliminate every delay, especially those involving scheduling or insurance company reviews. Still, they can help prevent avoidable setbacks that slow everything down even more.
It’s also important to be patient during negotiations. Accepting the first offer just to finish the case faster isn’t always the best decision.
What Happens After A Section 32 Settlement Is Approved?
After the Workers’ Compensation Board approves the settlement, the agreement becomes final according to its terms.
The insurance company then processes the payment.
In many cases, settlement checks are issued within a relatively short period after approval, although exact timing can vary depending on the insurer and the details of the case.
Once payment is made, the portions of your workers’ compensation claim covered by the settlement are generally closed.
It’s also worth reviewing the agreement carefully so you know which benefits are ending and what responsibilities remain after the settlement is complete.
If you have an attorney, they can explain the final terms and answer any questions before everything is finalized.
Bottom Line
A Section 32 settlement typically takes 2 to 6 months to finalize and payout.
The exact timeline depends on negotiation speed, the Workers’ Compensation Board scheduling a hearing, a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period, and the insurance carrier’s legal obligation to issue payment within 10 days of final approval.
If you’re unsure about where your settlement stands, speaking with your attorney or claims representative is often the fastest way to get an update.
