How Do Surgery Costs Impact Your Personal Injury Settlement?

Hearing the words “you’ll need surgery” after an accident can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. On top of the pain and recovery challenges, you now have to worry about how these incredibly expensive medical bills will be covered. Will your personal injury settlement include enough to offset these financial burdens?  

At Brassfield & Krueger, we’ve worked with injury victims for over 75 years, helping them secure fair compensation for medical costs, including surgeries. Today, we’re here to share insights into how surgery impacts your settlement value to give you some reassurance so you can focus on healing.  

The Financial Impact of Surgery

Surgery is often lifesaving but can come with staggering costs. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the average economic expense of a nonfatal disabling injury is around $167,000. However, severe injuries that involve surgery easily surpass six figures.  

Here’s a breakdown of common surgeries in personal injury cases and their typical costs:

• Spinal Fusion: $50,000–$150,000  
• Knee Replacement: $35,000–$60,000  
• Rotator Cuff Repair: $15,000–$50,000  
• Herniated Disc Surgery: $20,000–$90,000  

These numbers account for hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.

How Surgery Affects Settlement Amounts

Undergoing surgery directly influences the total value of your personal injury settlement. Why? Because it highlights the serious nature of your injury, heightens medical expenses, and validates claims for pain and suffering.  

Increased Settlement for Medical Expenses

Insurance companies and defendants are obligated to account for all medical expenses related to your injury. This includes surgery expenses such as:

• Hospital stays  
• Surgeon and specialist fees  
• Post-surgery rehabilitation  
• Medications and medical supplies (e.g., braces, crutches)  

More extensive treatments lead to larger settlements, helping cover these expenses.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Surgery typically reflects a severe injury, which often increases damages awarded for pain and suffering. This category accounts for both the emotional and physical toll, including:

• Prolonged recovery time  
• Challenges performing daily activities  
• Lasting scars or impairments  

Lost Wages and Economic Damages

Surgery doesn’t just cost money; it also takes time. Recovering from surgery can mean weeks or months of lost wages and reduced earning capacity. 

These lost wages can increase the value of your settlement significantly. For instance:

• An office worker might claim lost income for recovery time.  
• A construction worker may require compensation for diminished earning potential if they can no longer perform physically demanding tasks.  

The Role of Legal Representation

Just because your surgery costs should theoretically increase your injury settlement doesn’t mean they automatically will. Insurance companies will attempt to limit how much they pay, even when your medical expenses are significant. That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is so important.  

Here’s how they help:  

• Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies may undervalue your claim, but a strong attorney ensures your settlement truly reflects the costs of surgery and recovery.  
• Building a solid case: They gather medical records, consult with professionals, and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and losses.  
• Maximizing compensation: Studies show plaintiffs with legal representation secure 3.5 times higher settlements than those without.  

A skilled attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let Us Make Sure Your Settlement Covers Everything You Deserve

Before you start panicking about the surgeries and other medical expenses following an accident, remember that your personal injury claim can and should increase to reflect these significant costs. Ensuring your settlement fully covers your expenses requires strong advocacy and comprehensive legal representation. That’s why hiring a skilled attorney is crucial. At Brassfield & Krueger, we are fully prepared to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for help pursuing a settlement that considers the impact of your injuries and supports your recovery.