One of accident victims’ most commonly asked questions is, How much is the average settlement for a back injury?
Although it is not the answer most people want to hear, the truth is that it is difficult to accurately determine the average payout for a back injury from a car accident, work incident, slip and fall, or any other type of accident. The value of a back injury depends on the strength of the liability, the severity of the injuries, and the size of the insurance policy.
However, upon speaking with an experienced attorney and discussing the specific factors and circumstances surrounding your back injury, you may better understand what you might expect in a settlement or award.
Average Back Injury Settlement
The average payout for a back injury at work or elsewhere can vary significantly.
Because of the severity and complexity of many back injuries, it is common to see six- and even seven-figure payouts. Remember, every case is unique and presents facts and circumstances that will influence the exact settlement or jury award.
Factors that may impact your settlement or award include:
- The severity of your back injury;
- Present and anticipated medical costs;
- Lost earnings;
- Who the defendant is;
- Any intangible losses you sustain, such as pain and suffering;
- Applicable insurance policy limits; and
- The applicable law.
Contact the Beliz Law Firm to discuss the specifics of your case. We can help you assess each factor and how it might affect your potential settlement.
What Is the Average Payout for a Back Injury?
While many factors play a role in determining the payout for a back injury victim, one significant factor significantly influences the outcome: whether surgery is necessary. A back injury settlement with surgery vs. one without surgery can differ drastically.
Any back injury can be life-altering and require significant medical intervention. Typically, the more severe the injury, the more damages you will be entitled to. It is undoubtedly challenging to calculate average back injury settlements. However, a reliable indicator of what your case may be worth is whether your back injury requires surgery.
Back Injury Settlements with Surgery
Back injuries requiring surgery are typically severe and unlikely to resolve independently. Individuals necessitating back surgery are more likely to end up with a higher settlement because their economic damages (e.g., reimbursement for medical expenses), which are intended to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including surgery, will be higher.
Surgery, and the rehabilitation and therapy that come after, will significantly increase an individual’s medical expenses.
Back injuries requiring surgical repair are also more likely to increase other economic and noneconomic damages because of the extended recovery period. Extensive recovery might mean you will be unable to work for a long period of time, resulting in lost wages.
It can also mean you cannot participate in your normal daily activities, leading to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Settlements Without Back Surgery
While victims requiring surgery might see a higher settlement, surgery is generally a last resort option and should not be taken lightly. Your doctors and medical team will advise you on the best action for your injury and situation.
Usually, a doctor will prescribe non-invasive treatments first to avoid surgery. While back injury settlements that do not require surgical repair tend to be overall lower than those requiring surgery, it does not mean you will not be entitled to significant compensation.
In fact, some non-surgical treatment options can cost just as much as surgical repair. Every person and injury is unique, and what may be minor to one person could be catastrophic in another’s life, leading to a hefty settlement.
Types of Back Injuries
Many types of back injuries can result from a car or work accident, all with varying degrees of severity. Some are minor and will resolve with little to no medical intervention, while others are severe and permanent and can significantly impact your life.
Common back injuries include:
- Herniated discs,
- Slipped or ruptured discs,
- Spinal fractures,
- Sprains and strains,
- Whiplash,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Paralysis.
Depending on the accident, it is possible to suffer from more than a back injury. Regardless of circumstances, you should always receive medical treatment, follow doctors’ orders, and seek legal guidance to identify your options.
Maximize Your Back Injury Settlement
At The Beliz Law Firm, we have helped back injury victims recover millions of dollars. Here, we provide one-on-one attention to every client to ensure they receive the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Michael Beliz
Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.
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