Who has approval authority for settlements in West Virginia?

In the context of West Virginia Workers' Compensation settlements, the approval authority primarily resides with the carrier or self-insured employer and the claimant. This is because settlements must accurately reflect the mutual agreement of both parties involved—the employer (or their insurance provider) and the injured worker—on the terms of compensation based on the specifics of the claim.

This collaborative approach ensures that both the employer’s interests and the claimant's rights are considered during the negotiation process, allowing for a fair resolution that addresses the injured worker's needs while mitigating the employer's liabilities. The settlement must be accepted by both parties to ensure it is legally binding.

Other entities like the Office of Insurance Commission, the state governor, and legal counsel do not directly hold the authority to approve settlements in this context, as their roles are typically more supportive or regulatory rather than one of direct negotiation and agreement.