CHARLES RITCH, Claimant-Appellant v. PROFESSIONAL TRANSPORTATION, INC., Employer-Respondent and TREASURER OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, CUSTODIAN OF THE SECOND INJURY FUND

**Worker Loses Bid to Reopen Settled Workers' Compensation Case** Charles Ritch worked for Professional Transportation, Inc. and had previously settled a workers' compensation claim through a compromise agreement. Later, Ritch asked the Missouri Workers' Compensation Commission to review and increase the amount of his settled claim, essentially wanting to reopen the case for more money. The court ruled against Ritch and upheld the Commission's decision to dismiss his request. The court found that once a workers' compensation case is settled through a compromise agreement, the Commission does not have the legal authority to go back and change the terms or increase the settlement amount. The settled agreement was considered final and could not be modified. This decision is important for workers to understand because it shows the permanent nature of workers' compensation settlements. Once you agree to settle your workers' comp claim, that decision is typically final – you generally cannot go back later and ask for more money, even if your condition worsens or you discover the settlement was inadequate. This highlights why workers should carefully consider any settlement offers and may want to consult with professionals before agreeing to settle their claims.