If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, you’re likely wondering how much compensation you might receive in a workers’ compensation settlement. The truth is that the amount can vary widely depending on several factors.
What Determines a Workers’ Comp Settlement for a Back Injury?
While it’s difficult to pin down an “average” settlement for a back injury, compensation usually depends on the following factors:
- Severity of the injury: The more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement. For instance, a minor muscle strain may result in a smaller settlement compared to a severe spinal injury or herniated disc that requires surgery.
- Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation benefits will cover all medical expenses related to your back injury, including hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, and surgeries. The total cost of these treatments can significantly impact the final settlement amount.
- Wage loss benefits: If your back injury prevents you from working, you’re entitled to wage replacement benefits. Workers’ comp typically covers a percentage of your lost wages (often about two-thirds of your average weekly pay) while you recover. The duration of time you’re unable to work, whether temporarily or permanently, affects the total compensation you’ll receive.
- Permanent disability: If your back injury leads to a permanent disability, whether partial or total, you may be eligible for long-term benefits. Permanent disability benefits are typically based on the severity of your disability and your future earning potential.
- Future medical care: If your back injury requires ongoing treatment, workers’ comp settlements may include money for future medical expenses. This is especially common in cases involving surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Understanding What’s Included in Workers’ Comp Benefits
When it comes to workers’ compensation, the goal is to help injured employees recover and return to work without experiencing financial hardship. Workers’ comp typically provides three main categories of benefits:
- Medical care: This includes doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any medical equipment you may need as a result of your back injury.
- Wage replacement: If you’re unable to work due to your injury, workers’ comp will provide a portion of your lost wages, often around two-thirds of your average pay. These benefits help you stay financially stable while you recover.
- Disability payments: If your injury causes long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for ongoing disability payments. These payments vary based on the extent of your disability and how it impacts your ability to work.
What’s the Average Settlement for a Back Injury?
There’s no set number for what a back injury workers’ comp settlement should be, but settlements for moderate to severe back injuries can range from $20,000 to $75,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Cases that involve surgery, permanent disability, or significant wage loss are likely to result in higher settlements.
Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, and every case is unique. The best way to determine the value of your workers’ comp settlement is to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your individual circumstances.
Why You Need Legal Help
Dealing with a workers’ comp claim for a back injury can be complex, especially when determining the full extent of your medical needs and the long-term impact of your injury. If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, it’s important to have an experienced workers’ comp attorney on your side to ensure you get the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Are you dealing with a back injury? We have extensive experience helping injured workers navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims. If you’re dealing with a back injury and want to understand your settlement options, contact Shugarman & Mehring today to schedule a consultation.
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