Medical treatment is always costly, especially if you suffer an injury in an accident that requires surgery. However, getting surgical care may not necessarily increase the value of an injury claim settlement.
While surgery after an accident could increase the amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive, injury victims should not choose to undergo unnecessary surgery to increase their claim’s value.
Sigman Janssen is here to help answer any questions you may have. We have many years of experience handling injury claim settlements. We understand the different factors that may affect the value of your claim and are prepared to seek the maximum compensation possible on your behalf. An initial consultation with a member of our legal team is free and confidential with no risk or obligation.
Call (877) 888-5201 for a free case review.
Surgery and Injury Claim Settlements
Surgery can really drive up the value of an injury claim. The costs associated with surgery can vary widely based on the specific procedure. Injury victims are billed for the work performed by the surgeon, anesthesiologist and staff involved in the procedure as well as surgical equipment and supplies used.
In addition to the bills for the procedure itself, injury victims may also incur these losses:
- Cost of post-operative care and hospitalization
- Medication to prevent infection and control pain
- Lost wages from missing work while in recovery
- Costs for childcare or home assistance
- Pain and suffering, both physical and mental
There are many factors that may impact an injury claim settlement. For instance, an injury victim may respond better to treatment than someone else. Some injury victims may recover a lot faster from surgery while others may need more time to heal even if they suffer from the same type of injury.
If you were injured in an accident, the at-fault party may have liability insurance to cover your bills if you require surgery. In some cases, injury victims may receive more in a settlement if there is enough insurance to cover the claim filed. This will depend on the other party’s insurance coverage.
If you suffer from a long-term injury that requires ongoing medical care, this could also potentially impact the value of your claim. Long-term injuries may increase compensation due to the pain and suffering you have experienced and the permanent damage you have sustained.
Should the insurance company reach out about your claim and offer a settlement, we recommend consulting with an experienced lawyer before agreeing to any settlement offer.
Insurance companies typically start with a lowball offer in hopes that you are desperate enough for the money to agree to that settlement. They want to pay out as little as possible in claims. Injury victims often do not realize that they are able to negotiate the settlement amount or decline the offer.
A personal injury lawyer in Green Bay from our firm is prepared to pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and damages if we can validate your claim. While every case is different, it is typically a good idea not to settle your claim until your treatment has ended and you have reached maximum medical improvement. At that point, it will be easier to determine the full value of your claim.
Is Getting Surgery Really Necessary?
Injury victims should never get surgery just because they think they could get a higher settlement.
Unless surgery is needed to treat your injuries and aid in your recovery, you should not undergo any unnecessary procedures. Surgery has its risks, such as infections, scarring or even death. There is no guarantee that having a surgical procedure will amount to greater compensation in an injury claim.
If the insurance company thinks that your surgery was unnecessary, it may not be covered. They will not take your word for it. They will review your medical records to see if it was recommended by your treating doctor or if he or she offered other treatments besides surgery.
It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of surgery and decide what is best for your well-being, not what it could potentially do for the value of your injury claim.
Injuries That Commonly Require Surgery
The following are some common injuries that may require surgery:
- Fractures – Compound fractures where the bone is exposed through the skin have a high risk of infection and may require emergency surgery to close the open wound. With multiple bone fractures, surgeons may need to insert pins, rods or plates to help keep the bone in place.
- Spinal cord injuries – Not all spinal cord injuries lead to permanent paralysis, but anything causing compression or damage to the spinal cord, such as a bone fragment, will need surgery.
- Internal organ damage – Car accidents often cause internal organ damage. Surgeries are usually needed to repair a punctured lung or ruptured spleen quickly to prevent internal bleeding.
- Traumatic brain injuries – A traumatic brain injury or TBI can cause swelling, hemorrhaging or fluid retention in the brain. Surgeons may need to open the skull to help relieve pressure.
- Soft tissue injuries – Many accidents can result in torn ligaments or tendons, which can cause limited movement and serious pain. If a soft-tissue injury cannot be treated with physical therapy or other measures, surgery may be the only option to repair the tissue tear.
Let Us Help You Through the Claims Process
Whether or not you require surgery for your injury, our firm is ready to help you with your claim. We are available anytime, day or night, to discuss your rights and legal options.
Our initial consultations are 100 percent free and there are no upfront fees to retain our services.
Millions Recovered. Ph: (877) 888-5201