Generally speaking, settlement should not be considered until you have either made a full recovery, such that you feel as good as you did the day prior to your injury, or you have reached maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement simply means that you have gone through all appropriate treatment but are left with residual disability, pain or restrictions, expected to be permanent in nature. The importance of waiting until you are 100% recovered or have reached a permanent plateau is so that you are aware of the full effect your injuries are likely to have into the future and your claim can be properly assessed.