If a worker in Miami is injured on the job and requires surgery because of those injuries, the settlement value of their workers’ compensation case is usually higher than if no surgery is needed. This is because surgery often leads to the need for ongoing medical care, which increases future costs for the insurance company. As a result, insurers are typically willing to pay more money to settle cases where surgery has been performed, since the long-term expenses they face are greater.
James D. Payer
Miami Workers’ Compensation Lawyer with 30+ Years of Experience
Why Surgery Usually Increases Workers’ Compensation Settlement Values
- Surgery leads to higher medical expenses (operation, rehab, prescriptions, follow-ups).
- Future care may be needed, such as additional treatment or corrective surgery.
- Recovery is longer, which increases lost wages.
- Some workers face permanent impairment or restrictions after surgery.
- Surgery can limit the worker’s ability to return to their previous job.
- Insurers see surgery as proof of a serious injury and may pay more to settle.
How Insurance Companies Handle Surgery Cases
- Demanding excessive records or documentation to settle the claim
- Sending you to their chosen doctors who will minimize your injury
- Claiming your injuries are related to pre-existing conditions
- Delaying approvals in hopes you will agree to their first offer out of necessity
- Failing to respond, making you frustrated enough to give up on the claim
- Miscalculating average weekly wages to reduce your benefit amount
- Offering a low or unfair settlement and pressuring you to accept it
Don’t Accept a Low Settlement Out of Stress or Pressure
A serious injury can cause many uncertainties for workers, including how long they will be unable to work, how they will pay their bills, and whether they can afford the medical care they need. Long and painful recoveries can create financial and emotional strain on injured workers and their families.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may take advantage of these situations and pressure workers to accept a lowball offer. They know they are more likely to agree to a low settlement when bills are piling up and they’re worried about supporting their families. However, accepting an offer too soon could mean missing out on the compensation you deserve.
Agreeing to a lower settlement puts you at risk of losing future benefits or not receiving the full value of your claim. This can put more financial stress on you and your family in the long run. If you want the workers’ compensation pay you’re entitled to, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Miami.
Why Speaking to a Miami Workers’ Comp Lawyer Protects Your Future
When you work with a Miami workers’ compensation lawyer, you are protected against unfair insurance company tactics that can affect your benefits. At Payer Law, James D. Payer and our team of skilled attorneys are passionate about helping clients during the difficult time that follows a work injury. We will stand up to insurance companies that try to mistreat you.
Our lawyers work together to identify your losses and ensure all costs are added to your workers’ comp claim, including surgery, rehabilitation, and lost wages. We know what strategies the insurance company may use to reduce your claim, and we push back against lowball settlement offers.
Workers’ comp claims that involve surgery can be substantial because of future medical needs during your recovery. If an insurance company is pressuring you to accept less than your claim is worth, we can level the playing field and demand a settlement that accurately reflects your losses.
Real Case Example: $675,000 Settlement + $675,000 Lump-Sum Settlement After Failed Back Surgery
Our client suffered multiple herniated discs in his lower back that caused foot drop and neuropathy in his legs. The first surgery performed by the workers’ compensation doctor was unsuccessful, leaving him at risk of permanent paralysis. We fought to get him evaluated at the University of Miami Spine Institute, where a corrective surgery restored much of his mobility and allowed him to avoid paralysis.
In addition to securing $670,658 in medical and lost wage benefits before settlement, we obtained a $675,000 lump-sum settlement, bringing our client’s total recovery to more than $1.3 million.
See How Surgery Impacts Your Miami Work Comp Settlement by Calling Payer Law Today
Our client suffered multiple herniated discs in his lower back that caused foot drop and neuropathy in his legs. The first surgery performed by the workers’ compensation doctor was unsuccessful, leaving him at risk of permanent paralysis. We fought to get him evaluated at the University of Miami Spine Institute, where a corrective surgery restored much of his mobility and allowed him to avoid paralysis.
In addition to securing $670,658 in medical and lost wage benefits before settlement, we obtained a $675,000 lump-sum settlement, bringing our client’s total recovery to more than $1.3 million.
