Michigan lawyer discusses workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery.
Michigan work injury law protects employees hurt on-the-job. Some of the toughest work-related injury claims involve people with ruptured discs in their lumbar or cervical spine. This is when one of the cushions between the vertebrae extrudes or pushes out. Nerves can be irritated from a ruptured disc resulting in chronic pain, numbness, and weakness. Surgical treatment is often required, and it involves cutting away disc material or bone. Here is some information about workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery that everyone should know.
About work injury benefits
Michigan work injury benefits covers medical bills, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Payments are tax free and continue for the entire length of disability. It does not matter who was at fault provided the accident occurred in the course and scope of employment.
Employees are allowed to cash out their work injury benefits for a lump sum payment. This is an attractive option for individuals who cannot return to their jobs. It allows them freedom to move on with their lives. How much will be paid depends upon recovery and future insurance exposure.
Payout amounts can be difficult to calculate
Workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery can be difficult to figure out. Employees with a ruptured disc often have lifetime medical problems and work restrictions. It is not uncommon to undergo a spinal fusion surgery that permanently connects two or more vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, and rods are permanently implanted into the body. We recommend having an honest conversation with a treating doctor to find out what the future looks like.
Many of our clients’ live paycheck-to-paycheck and cannot afford to get cut-off. Unfortunately, insurance companies exploit financial distress and make low-ball settlement offers. This is very common when a claim has been disputed. Developing medical and vocational evidence is critical to proving value. We tell our clients that a good workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery pays enough to cover future medical treatment and several years of lost wages.
Watch out for insurance companies
Insurance companies go out of their way to save money on a workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery. This is always done at the expense of disabled employees. Many of our clients are forced to undergo so called “independent” medical examinations where doctors say they are recovered and can return to full duty work. Vocational counselors are hired to say other jobs are available and lost wages are unnecessary. Private investigators are hired to do surveillance and find evidence that a person might be exaggerating symptoms.
Average workers comp settlement for herniated disc surgery
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified average workers’ comp settlement for herniated disc surgery. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average redemption amount was just $62,315.56 in 2022. This is not a lot of money to cover the cost for medical treatment.
Many of our clients get much more than average when medical and vocational evidence shows continuing need for insurance benefits. Therefore, it is critical to challenge biased medical and vocational reports.
Contact an experienced work injury lawyer today for a free consultation
If you have suffered a herniated disc injury on the job in Michigan and you have questions surrounding surgery and a workers’ comp settlement, call now to speak with an experienced work injury lawyer, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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