Medical treatment can be some of the most expensive out-of-pocket costs to factor while negotiating a personal injury settlement. Some operations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and may also require extensive and expensive assessments, post-surgery, follow-ups, and hospital stays.
If you were injured in a crash or accident you are likely wondering: Will surgery increase the value of a settlement? Though surgery may increase the overall value of a personal injury settlement, undergoing surgery for the sake of increasing your settlement could backfire.
However, if your doctor recommends you undergo surgery, then that can influence the total amount of your claim. Surgeries tend to be some of the most expensive and risky forms of treatment. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recoup the costs of medical procedures and other related damages.
Will Having Surgery Increase My Claim’s Worth?
Surgical procedures are undoubtedly one of the biggest drivers of a personal injury claim. These procedures often require surgical specialists, special medical equipment, nurses, anesthesiologists, and post-operative care teams.
The purpose of an injury claim is to make a person “whole.” It’s a heady legal term that essentially means the total compensation a person is awarded should ideally match the cost of their injuries.
These types of damages may include:
- Surgical costs related to your injuries
- Testing and lab work, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
- Medications required for your treatment
- Lost income, including future wages
- Pain and suffering, both physical and mental.
Many factors can determine the total value of an injury claim settlement. Some people may respond to surgery better than others who may take longer to heal from a similar injury.
If you were injured in a traffic accident, you may be able to seek reimbursement for your damages through the at-fault party’s insurance. The amount you receive often depends on what the other party’s insurance covers.
Long-term injuries that will require future and ongoing medical care and rehabilitation may also influence the value of your claim or settlement. Along with past medical bills, future medical bills are also among the damages you may be entitled to following an injury. Sometimes, these can be some of the highest value damages, especially if your injuries are so severe that they resulted in permanent damage that requires a lifetime of medical care.
That’s why if you are presented with a settlement offer, it’s generally a good idea to consult with an experienced lawyer. Your attorney can help review an offer and, if necessary, respond with a counteroffer that may be more appropriate for your needs. A lawyer may also help guide you through the process and come up with the best course of action for your claim.
Do I Need Surgery?
Whether your injury requires undergoing surgery is likely a conversation you will have with your doctors. Generally, it’s best to be honest about the extent of your injuries when filing a claim.
Getting surgery because it may increase the value of your settlement or claim could be a gamble. For instance, if you undergo a procedure that wasn’t recommended for your injury, an insurance company may question whether it should be covered.
Some surgeries also come with risks. It is well-documented that some surgeries can run the risk of leading to infections, allergic reactions, blood clots, and, potentially, death.
Injuries That Often Require Surgery
Injuries can range in severity and may require surgery. Among some of the common injuries that may require surgery include:
- Broken and fractured bones: Some fractures and bone breaks may require surgery to prevent infection or to keep bones in place using pins.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Emergency surgery may be required to minimize damage to brain tissues. In other cases, it may be necessary to remove blood clots and to relieve pressure from fluid retention in the brain.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These surgeries may be performed immediately after an injury or weeks or months later. Some procedures are needed to stabilize or realign the spine.
- Organ damage: Blunt force injuries, such as those from car accidents, may require surgical intervention if internal organs are damaged.
- Knee and joint injuries: Doctors may recommend a total knee replacement following an injury.
Regardless if your injury requires surgery, our team of dedicated and experienced San Antonio, Texas Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Khattar Law, PC are here for you.
We will fight to hold the negligent parties who caused your injuries accountable and work to maximize your compensation. Call us today at 210-923-1234 for a free and no-hassle consultation.