Workers’ compensation claims can be tricky to understand, and there is a process that must be followed to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits available to you. If you have experienced a work-related injury, you may be curious about whether surgery increases a workers’ compensation settlement in North Carolina. A Lexington workers’ compensation lawyer can help provide answers to this question and any other related questions you may have.
Covered Costs
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina is designed to cover all costs of any necessary medical procedures, treatments, and surgeries. It should also cover a portion of an employee’s wages while they cannot work due to their injuries. However, it is not uncommon for the employer, the employee, and the insurance company to disagree on the necessity of certain costs. Insurance companies are naturally inclined to minimize costs, and employees need to be able to seek necessary medical attention.
It is essential that you have a workers’ compensation attorney on your side fighting for you to obtain the fair and equitable settlement that you deserve.
Does Surgery Increase a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in North Carolina?
Some workplace injuries necessitate the need to do surgery. Any surgical procedure that is related to the workplace injury should be covered by your workers’ compensation settlement. Since one of the biggest factors contributing to your settlement amount is the amount of medical costs, any expensive surgical procedure will likely increase the amount of your settlement.
The increased settlement amount will largely depend on the type and cost of the surgery. For example, a rotator cuff surgery can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, and a knee replacement surgery can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $29,000. These figures also assume that there are no further complications. If your injury required you to have knee replacement surgery, your workers’ compensation settlement could increase more than if you needed rotator cuff surgery.
Cost of Surgery
There are different costs that go into the final bill issued for a surgical procedure. These can include:
- Any use of anesthesia.
- Any pre- and post-surgery medication needed.
- The pre- and post-surgery work required.
- The surgeon’s fee.
- The cost of booking the operating room.
As an employee, you should not have to cover any of these costs. They should be calculated into your workers’ compensation plan, thus increasing your overall settlement. Working with a workers’ compensation attorney could be the difference in you getting the fair settlement you deserve.
The Process of Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation in North Carolina can take some time to file, so it is a good idea to seek the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. If you are expecting to have surgery or are facing other serious medical-related procedures, you’ll want to ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is processed timely and correctly.
FAQs
Q: Does Surgery Increase Workers’ Comp Settlements in North Carolina?
A: A surgery could, in fact, increase a workers’ compensation settlement in North Carolina. The costs of the surgery will most likely be considered in the settlement amount calculation. While each workers’ compensation case is different in its own way, it is typical for all medical costs and surgeries related to the work-related injury to be accounted for. The extent of the increase in the settlement will depend on the type of procedure performed.
Q: How Is Workers’ Comp Settlement Calculated in North Carolina?
A: Workers’ comp settlements in North Carolina are calculated based on a few different factors. The first factor is the type of injury that is sustained and what body part it affects. The second factor is the value of the injury based on your weekly wage. Benefits are calculated as two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This can include bonuses and overtime pay. The final factor is the timeframe it will take to recover from the injury. These factors are all considered in the settlement calculation.
Q: Does North Carolina Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering?
A: North Carolina workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation is designed to compensate workers for their medical expenses and lost wages related to any work-related injuries or illnesses, and it does not cover pain and suffering damages. Workers’ compensation differs from other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, in this regard. This is why it is crucial to engage the counsel of a qualified workers’ comp attorney to ensure that you get the maximum available compensation.
Q: What Is the Highest Workers’ Comp Settlement in North Carolina?
A: The highest workers’ comp settlement in North Carolina can depend on multiple factors. Each worker’s comp settlement is calculated depending on the specific details of the case, and each case is unique in its own way. The settlement amount that a worker can be awarded depends on the type and severity of the injury, the amount of time it will take to recover, and the level of compensation the worker was receiving at the time of the injury. For example, a loss of a limb could warrant a higher amount than a loss of a finger.
The Legal Help You Need
Workers’ compensation claims can be immensely stressful. When an injury occurs, it can cause a major disruption in one’s life and cause physical, psychological, and financial hardships. No one wishes for an injury or an illness to happen while at work, but if it does, it is important that you engage a workers’ compensation attorney to get the answers and the help that you need.
The legal team at M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, understands that workers’ compensation claims can be challenging for individuals to navigate by themselves. Our firm is here to help, and we have demonstrated experience in helping individuals navigate through the complexities of North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. Our team has the experience and acumen necessary to review your case and provide sound legal advice to help you. Contact us today to put us to work on your behalf.