Finding Out About a Settlement Under Seal

[kystormz]

:shock:

Hello

I have a question regarding locating information that may set precedent in a workmans comp case. This concerns a well known Accoutics Plant in the south east which had an explosion back in 2003. There has been a settlement reached, my question is even though the judge in the case has said will not be released to the public. Where would I go to find out where this info is housed? Would it be a public court house, or ??? This involved WC as part of the settlement, and that would mean that there are instances where the employer is in fact directly responsible for the injuries sustained by the workers. Can the WC department keep silent over what was done to reach settlement?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
L Coultrup

[aaron]

So the settlement is under seal, and you are wondering if you can get a copy?

[kystormz]

8)
No, I understand that it is sealed, what I want to find is all documents pertaining to the case, that are NOT sealed. There should be access to some info on the case, should there not be? And , while I am at it, if a settlement is sealed, how long does it stay that way, what if it can be shown that the info in the settlement might set precedent for our case?


L Coultrup

[aaron]

No, I understand that it is sealed, what I want to find is all documents pertaining to the case, that are NOT sealed. There should be access to some info on the case, should there not be?

You should be able to go to the court where the case was filed, and review the court file. You can purchase copies of any documents you find relevant.

And , while I am at it, if a settlement is sealed, how long does it stay that way, what if it can be shown that the info in the settlement might set precedent for our case?

It stays sealed until the judge orders otherwise; which pretty much means indefinitely. (You may be able to get additional information, though, from one of the lawyers who was involved in the case, assuming disclosure does not violate the settlement agreement.)

[kystormz]

ok

So can you tell me how I might go about finding out who the legal reps were in the case? They were never mentioned in the news involving the accident.

Thanks for explaining things

L coultrup

[aaron]

The lawyers will be identified in the court records.