Contact Us for a Free Consultation 1 (860) 523-8783

Blog

Valuing an L5-S1 Fusion for Workers Comp Settlement Purposes

Posted by James Aspell | May 14, 2022 | 0 Comments

Does Connecticut Workers Compensation Cover Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Yes, as long as you meet the following conditions:

  1. Your injury has been accepted by the workers compensation insurance company as compensable, in other words ,having occurred in the course and scope of your employment  and;
  2. You can prove that your need for a spinal fusion procedure is reasonably  necessary and related to your work injury.

Connecticut work comp adjusters  will oftentimes  put up fight when it comes to approving a workers' comp settlement for spinal fusion surgery, even if they have approved everything to that point.

Common defenses for denying these types of claims include:

  • Saying that the surgery is needed because of degenerative disc issues that would have happened regardless of the work-related injury
  • Claiming that different accident, like a fall or car accident, is the reason you need the surgery.
  • Insisting you should undergo a discectomy first
  • Claiming you aren't the right age for the procedure
  • Saying that you need to quit smoking (if you're a smoker) or reduce how much you smoke because smoking can affect the success of surgical outcomes.

Our experienced team of Connecticut work comp attorneys has been going up against insurance companies for over 30 years. We know what to expect at every step of your claim – and what to do to protect your rights. You can reach us any time, any day at 860-523-8783. We love answering work comp legal questions.

What Is the Average Workers Comp Settlement for a Spinal Fusion Surgery in Connecticut?

The average work comp settlement for spinal fusion is not a one-size-fits-all equation. A qualified work comp attorney won't apply a “typical” work comp payout for a lumbar fusion to your case. He or she should take your specific circumstances into account.

We outline some of those circumstances in the section below.

How Are Cervical & Lumbar Fusion Settlements Calculated?

We know that each client's case is unique, and we take a number of factors into consideration when calculating a cervical fusion verdict or settlement.

These factors include:

  • How much you made before you were hurt: Many work comp benefits are based on your pre-injury weekly wage.
  • The type of fusion you require: The more levels fused, the bigger the risk for complications or permanent injury. There are a variety of different spinal fusion procedures–2 level ACDF surgery, L 5 s1 fusion, the list goes on–and your specific procedure plays a role in your potential settlement.
  • Additional medical procedures you may require after your initial fusion surgery
  • How likely you are to face complications from surgery
  • How altered your lifestyle will be affected as a result of the surgery
  • Whether you suffered emotional distress as a result of your work injury
  • And more

We will get to know you, your injury, and how your life has been impacted by your accident to help ensure we pursue every possible avenue to get you the settlement you deserve.

Do I Have to Have Surgery to Receive Workers Compensation Benefits for a Spine Injury?

The short answer is not always. Spinal fusions are risky procedures, and after discussing your options with your treating physician, you may decide it's not the best option for you. Though work comp benefits can be denied over unreasonable refusal of medical treatment, insurers may not pursue this option when it comes to spinal surgeries.

However, we advise that you do NOT speak with an insurer or third-party administrator managing your claim about the decision not to have surgery. Instead, contact our work comp team. You need someone who is on your side helping you navigate the workers' compensation claims process.

We can explain all of your options when it comes to your workers comp settlement for spinal fusion.

Contact Our 5 Star Connecticut Workers' Compensation Attorneys Today to Discuss Your Options

We know that the workers' compensation system is confusing. There are a million twists and turns, and any one of them can lead you to a dead end.

This is especially true when it comes to cervical fusion workers' compensation claims. You shouldn't try to figure out what to do next on your own. Our team has the experience and resources to answer even your most complicated legal questions.

Your injury isn't only open during business hours, and neither are we. You can contact us 24/7/365 at 860-523-8783, or via the form on this page to talk about your workers comp settlement for spinal fusion.

About the Author

James Aspell

Principal since August 1, 2006 James F. Aspell is the principal and managing attorney of the firm which he started in 2006 following 20 years of litigation practice in a mid -size firm in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim focuses his practice in the areas of worker's compensation and personal injury l...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Awards

Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C
860-521-3808 (fax)
Mon: 08:00am - 06:00pm
Tue: 08:00am - 06:00pm
Wed: 08:00am - 06:00pm
Thu: 08:00am - 06:00pm
Fri: 08:00am - 06:00pm

Menu

860-847-7696