Workers' Comp Settlements in Wyoming

Wyoming's workers' compensation program is administered by the state Workers' Compensation Division, which reviews and decides claims under its rules. The law allows the employer or the Division to reach a settlement of up to $2,500 in any one case without admitting that the injury was compensable or work-related. Awards to an employee or spouse for permanent partial disability, permanent total disability or death may be paid in whole or in part in a lump sum only on application to the Division showing exceptional necessity, with notice to the employer; an award for permanent partial impairment can never be paid in a lump sum.

Temporary total disability benefits for injuries from any one incident or accident may not exceed a cumulative period of 24 months, although the Workers' Compensation Division may award additional benefits in extraordinary circumstances under its rules. Payments stop earlier if the worker's earning power is substantially restored, or once the worker qualifies for permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits and the first monthly payment is issued. A permanent partial impairment award is paid for the number of months equal to the impairment percentage multiplied by 60 months. Permanent total disability is paid monthly for 80 months, reduced by the months of any earlier permanent partial awards for the same injury; extended benefits may be granted after an award is paid in full, subject to statutory limits.

In Wyoming workers' compensation contested cases, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) awards attorney fees under W.S. 27-14-602(d) at an hourly rate set by the OAH director. A hearing examiner may appoint an attorney to represent an injured employee; after the final order, the attorney may request reasonable fees and costs at $180 per hour (paralegals $40 per hour), submitted within 90 days with a verified statement and the proposed source of payment (the workers' compensation account, the employee's award, or the employer).