Settlement Offers before trial

I’m looking for some general advice regarding a potential settlement offer in a work-related injury case.

I suffered a knee sprain/strain, and although some time has passed, I’m still experiencing ongoing discomfort. Initially, the claim was disputed because my supervisor never filed a formal incident report, even though I verbally informed them about the injury at the time.

My attorney recently contacted me to say that the other side is interested in settling. However, I have not yet undergone an Independent Medical Examination (IME), so I don’t have a clear understanding of the full extent of my injury or the projected cost of future treatment. I’m concerned that accepting a settlement now could leave me responsible for ongoing medical expenses if my symptoms persist or worsen.

The X-ray and doctor visit bills alone will consume a significant portion of the proposed settlement, and I understand that if I accept the offer, I likely won’t be able to reopen the claim or seek additional treatment coverage later.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it typical to wait for an IME before considering settlement, or are there other factors I should be thinking about to make sure I’m not accepting less than what the injury may ultimately require?

Any general guidance or experiences would be appreciated.