What type of claims does West Virginia allow for settlement?

West Virginia allows for settlement in both voluntary pay and denied liability claims, making this the correct answer.

In voluntary pay claims, the employer accepts responsibility for the medical expenses and compensation benefits despite the fact that the claim could be argued as not compensable. This allows the parties to settle the claim without needing to go through the legal complexities of proving or disproving liability in court, facilitating a resolution that avoids extended litigation.

On the other hand, in denied liability claims, the parties can negotiate a settlement to resolve disputes over the compensability of the claim. Even if the employer denies liability, they have the option to settle to avoid further legal challenges or costs, especially if they believe that settling might be more cost-effective than continuing to contest the claim.

Collectively, allowing both types of claims to be settled enables a broader range of resolution strategies for both employees and employers, aligning with West Virginia's goal to provide a functional and responsive workers' compensation system.