[injuredinMA]

I live in MA. Just curious as to when lump sum settlement talk usually begins. Is it when your Dr. medically releases you or when physical therapy (post op) and whatever other treatments are exhausted, and you are deemed as getting as well as you possibly could be. I had cervical surgery in Sept., am just starting PT on Thurs., surgeon has me out of work 'til next appt. in March. I imagine he will extend that another 3 months as my recovery is slow. I am falling further and further behind in my bills and just hope for an estimation of settlement.

[Mr. Knowitall]

It depends upon your state and your insurer's policies, but often settlement talks will start around the time you are declared to be at MMI (maximum medical improvement) or P&S (permanent and stationary) - that is, the point where additional medical treatment is not considered likely to make you more fit for work.