If you have been injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. For some, this can include surgery to treat their injury. However, does undergoing surgery have an impact on your workers' comp settlement amount? In this blog post, we will explore this question and discuss the possible benefits of workers' compensation.
What Benefits Come with Workers' Comp?
Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides financial assistance to employees who have become injured or ill due to their jobs.
Benefits may include:
- Ongoing care: Continual care can be provided for injured employees to help them recover
- Temporary disability payments: These are payments are to compensate for lost wages while the employee is unable to work or only able to work part-time
- Lump-sum settlement: If permanent impairment results from the injury or illness, a lump-sum payment may be given
- Death benefits: These benefits are provided for the family of an employee who has died as a result of a work-related injury or illness
When it comes to workers' comp, having a solid understanding of the benefits available can be the key to maximizing your potential settlement. However, it is important to bear in mind that your claim could be denied, which is why it is critical to make choices that prioritize your overall health and well-being. Working closely with a workers' comp attorney can help you take the right steps to navigate the claims process and pursue the best possible outcome.
Does Surgery Impact Settlement Amounts?
There is no guarantee that undergoing surgery will result in a larger workers' compensation settlement. However, the cost of your surgery and other medical expenses may be taken into account when determining the total value of your settlement.
Several factors may influence your settlement amount, including:
- The severity of your injury
- The extent of required medical treatment (surgeries, therapy, etc.)
- The amount of time you will be unable to work
- Whether your employer is legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance
Taking the time to understand how each of these factors can affect your settlement can help you make informed decisions about surgery and other treatment options for your work-related injury.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
Deciding whether to undergo surgery for a work-related injury should be based on medical necessity and the advice of your healthcare professionals. This decision should not be made in an effort to receive an increased workers’ compensation settlement.
Surgery includes possible complications that can be life-threatening. Instead, factors to consider when making this decision may include the severity of your injury, potential risks and benefits of surgery, and your overall health and medical history.
Having a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of surgery on your workers' comp settlement can help you weigh the benefits and risks of this option and make the best decision for your health and financial well-being.
Building a Strong Workers' Comp Claim
To maximize your workers' compensation settlement, it is important to build a strong and well-documented claim.
Some tips for doing this may include:
- Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seeking medical treatment and following your doctor's recommendations
- Gathering and preserving evidence, such as medical records and witness statements
- Completing all required paperwork and adhering to any deadlines
- Consulting with a skilled workers' compensation attorney to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of your claim
If you've been injured on the job, seeking the help of a workers' compensation attorney can be crucial to your recovery. At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, we are committed to providing quality legal services to our clients.
Our team of experienced attorneys can assist you in navigating the complex legal system and protecting your rights. We understand that dealing with an injury can be overwhelming, which is why we're determined to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Call us today at (704) 931-5535 to learn more about how we can help.