Surgery can be costly, particularly when it is for an injury caused by another’s negligence. Injury victims who get surgery have more medical expenses to claim than those who do not, right? The reality is more complicated than that. Surgery may increase the value of some compensation claims. However, others may not increase as much because surgery fixes the problem.

Jay Trucks explain more about getting surgery and when it may add value to a car crash claim.

If you suffered severe injuries as a result of another’s negligence, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits as well as a third party lawsuit. Contact our law offices for a free consultation to find out what compensation you may be able to seek for your damages. Our car crash lawyers in Grand Rapids are committed to seeking maximum compensation on your behalf.

We are here to help. FREE Case Review. 989-244-0356

Does Surgery Increase the Value of Your Car Crash Claim?

Not necessarily. Having surgery is bound to affect the value of a car crash claim in some way. The care is not cheap and, in addition to the surgery, there are other expenses victims may not know about, such as for:

• Anesthesiology
• Nurses and other staff who assist with the operation
• Use of the recovery area
• Hospital bed and other facilities needed
• The surgeon who operates on you
• Medical equipment
• Diagnostics and other testing required prior to your surgery
• Lost wages for work you missed during the surgery and your recovery
• Any childcare you had to pay for
• Prescribed medication for pain management after the surgery

Still, whether or not the surgery adds any real value to your car crash claim depends on various factors. If a patient has surgery that helps him or her to recover quickly, he or she may not need more medical care later.

In contrast, other crash victims, who may or may not require surgery, may need additional medical care for far longer. Some accident victims may even need medical care permanently. These costs can add up to far more than the cost of a single surgery over time.

It is important to mention, however, that crash victims should never seek surgery as a way to get a higher settlement. Remember, too, that your medical costs are fully covered through your Michigan no-fault benefits claim. At least, you will be covered up to the limits of your personal injury protection insurance (PIP). Even if your PIP benefits become exhausted, you may still have other options for paying for your medical costs.

What Types of Car Crash Injuries May Require Surgery?

Not every injury is severe enough to require surgery. Crash victims should never seek surgery unless their treating doctor determines it is necessary for your recovery. Primarily this is because every surgery comes with certain risks. There is a lot that can go wrong during any surgical intervention.

That said, severe injuries that may cause a crash victim to need surgery may include:

• Fractured bones: Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, surgery may be required to set or strengthen a broken bone.
• Internal organ injuries: Some car crash victims suffer damage to their spleen, lungs and other organs. These internal injuries can be serious and may require immediate surgery.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Crash victims who sustain a TBI or any other head injury could be at risk for life-threatening medical issues. For example, brain swelling, or a hematoma (brain bleed) could be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Spinal cord damage: Spinal cord injuries are often serious and require surgery to minimize the damage, reduce compression and improve the crash victim’s outcome.
• Soft tissue injuries: While not life-threatening, these injuries can be severe and extremely painful. Surgery may be required for some soft tissue injuries, such as when there are tears that need to be repaired.

Is it Possible for Surgery to Reduce the Value of My Claim?

In Michigan crash victims can seek compensation for surgery through a no-fault claim, regardless of who caused the crash. That said, surgery may sometimes reduce the value of a claim in ways you may not have considered, such as if:

• Surgery was deemed unnecessary, and the insurance company may refuse to pay for it
• You needed the surgery and recovered quickly; you may have little pain and suffering
• The costs exceed the limits of your PIP coverage and you do not meet the injury threshold for a lawsuit

If your injuries are severe, you may greatly benefit from having an attorney fully handle your claim. He or she can help ensure you do not make mistakes that may affect your claim. Additionally, an experienced lawyer knows how to investigate all possible sources of compensation to help you try to obtain full and fair compensation.

Injured in a Car Cash? Contact Jay Trucks for Legal Help You Can Trust

If you were injured in a car crash and need to seek compensation for your damages, Jay Trucks is ready to help.

Contact our law offices as soon as possible to learn about your legal options to aid you in your recovery. We have staff available to take your call anytime, night or day. There is no cost for your initial consultation. We also do not charge any upfront costs while we work on your case.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. 989-244-0356

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