If you suffered a workplace injury and need surgery, you might wonder whether you should settle your workers’ compensation case before or after the procedure. The answer isn’t the same for everyone. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can advise you of the best timeline for pursuing a full and fair settlement after a job injury.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Surgery?
In Georgia, workers’ compensation will cover surgical costs if an operation is reasonable and necessary to treat your job injury. Some procedures that workers’ comp might cover include surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, and burns. If the workers’ compensation insurer believes an operation is unnecessary or unlikely to be effective, you may need a lawyer’s help to dispute their decision.
Does Surgery Increase My Settlement From Workers’ Compensation?
Whether surgery increases your workers’ comp settlement depends on the severity of your injuries. Severe injuries may require multiple surgeries and extensive follow-up care. You can expect more medical care and treatment if you suffer serious or catastrophic injuries. In that case, surgery could increase the amount of your workers’ comp settlement. Your workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and help you pursue a fair settlement that accounts for your medical care, wage loss, and any disabilities you may suffer from.
Can I Resolve My Workers’ Compensation Claim Before Having Surgery?
Settling before surgery is possible, but it comes with pros and cons. An early settlement could be wise if you are unsure of the outcome of the operation. In those cases, your settlement could include money for the projected cost of the surgery. On the other hand, settlements are final. If you settle before surgery and experience other medical problems, you cannot go back and ask for more money. The case will be closed.
Is It Better to Settle My Case After Surgery?
Waiting to settle until after surgery gives you the advantage of seeing what your medical needs will be moving forward. Once you understand your health needs and how long you may be out of work, you or your attorney can negotiate a settlement that makes sense for you.
Settling after surgery will come once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or the point where no further procedures or treatment will improve the injury or condition. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer adept at evaluating injuries and potential treatment plans can advise on whether settling before or after surgery makes sense.
What is the Typical Workers’ Compensation Settlement After Surgery?
There is no “typical” workers’ compensation settlement. Every settlement depends on the severity of the injuries, the type of surgery, your prognosis, and other factors.
For example, surgical costs vary widely depending on the circumstances. The national average price for a broken wrist that requires surgery is $11,800. By contrast, the national cost of spinal fusion surgery is $110,000. The complexity of the operation also means more recovery time, which impacts how long you will be off work and potentially your long-term ability to work at all. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will consider these factors when evaluating the best time to settle your case.
Speak With a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Georgia Today
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we offer client-centered legal services for Georgia workers injured on the job. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.
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