If you require spinal fusion surgery after a back injury in southwest Georgia, you may be worried about how to pay for such an expensive procedure. Costs for a spinal fusion vary based on a range of factors, such as the severity of the injury, where the surgery will be performed, and surgeon preferences. A recent study published in the Global Spine Journal reported a median cost for a lumbar spinal fusion of over $60,000. Many Georgians pay much more.
So, how can you afford a spinal fusion? If the injury happened at work or is someone else’s fault, you could have legal options for seeking financial relief and peace of mind. The Albany spinal fusion lawyers with the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can discuss your options in a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.
What is Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat spine injuries in which a surgeon joins two or more vertebrae together with hardware. The process of fusing the bones in the spine with metal screws, rods, or plates is meant to stabilize the spine and limit movement that may be causing pain or instability. Often, spinal fusion is used after the patient tries other less invasive treatments that fail to reduce or eliminate pain or restore function. It may also be a surgical option for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries, along with more extensive treatment.
Although a major procedure, spinal fusion surgery does not take long, depending on the patient’s needs. During surgery, the surgeon ensures the area is ready for fusion by removing any adjacent damaged tissue before placing the equipment to keep the vertebrae in place. This procedure typically requires a few days of hospitalization and a more extended recovery period.
What Types of Injuries May Require Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion may be necessary if you suffered a back injury on the job or in an accident. Some common back injuries or conditions that often require spinal fusion include:
- Fractured vertebrae
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal cord injury
Common Causes of Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries can occur in multiple ways, but the most common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Pedestrian collisions
- Workplace accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries (such as diving or football)
- Violence-related injuries
Work-Related Spinal Fusion Injuries
Job-related back injuries are typically due to falls, direct trauma to the back, or specific work tasks, such as:
- Heavy or repetitive lifting
- Operating heavy equipment
- Reaching overhead
- Tasks that cause the entire body to vibrate
If your spinal injury is due to a workplace accident or work-related medical condition, you could be entitled to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits. The attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., handle both workers’ comp cases and personal injury matters. We can help you file your claim, represent you at hearings as necessary, and determine whether you have grounds for additional legal action.
Does Spinal Fusion Surgery Increase the Value of My Case?
Yes. Spinal fusion surgery generally increases the potential settlement value of your case. Why? The need for spinal surgery means you sustained a significant injury. Surgical intervention is a higher level of treatment that is costly, often requires hospitalization, and means a longer recovery time for the patient. All of these factors contribute to a higher case value.
The need for spinal fusion surgery can also support a claim for pain and suffering compensation if you have a personal injury claim. Surgery is an invasive medical procedure that requires recovery and rehabilitation, like physical therapy. It is harder for insurance companies to downplay the physical pain and mental anguish you experience if you need surgery to repair your injury.
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we understand that you may feel intimidated by the insurance claim process or the prospect of filing a lawsuit. Our firm has decades of experience dealing with insurance adjusters and their unfair tactics to pressure claimants into accepting lowball settlement offers. When you hire us, we can take the burden off your shoulders by handling all settlement negotiations for you. Rest assured, our personal injury attorneys will not hesitate to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer you the compensation you deserve after spinal fusion surgery.
Compensation in Spinal Fusion Injury Cases
Getting compensation after a spinal injury depends on the unique circumstances of your case. For example, if you injured your back in a car accident or slip-and-fall on commercial property, your spinal fusion attorney will file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party(s). In a personal injury case, you may be eligible to recover money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Mental distress
- Pain and suffering
However, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you sustained injuries on the job. Workers’ compensation is typically the sole remedy for those who suffer workplace injuries or job-related illnesses, but it also provides benefits without the need to prove your employer is to blame. Our attorneys can seek the following types of compensation for you:
- Medical benefits – These cover the cost of your surgery and other medical expenses you may incur due to your injury, including follow-up appointments, medication, and physical therapy.
- Weekly payments – These payments cover a portion of your lost wages, helping you make ends meet while you are otherwise unable to work.
- Disability benefits – Sometimes, spinal fusion surgery patients qualify to receive disability payments. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be eligible for permanent total disability or permanent partial disability benefits.
In some cases, individuals may also qualify to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to their workers’ comp claim. An experienced attorney must investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties. A third-party claim could open the door to additional compensation for you, including the full value of your lost wages and pain and suffering damages.
Why Hire a Spinal Fusion Injury Lawyer in Albany?
Surgery is always expensive, and insurance companies don’t like to pay for expensive things. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our legal team knows what it takes to obtain the best possible results for injured people. We do it every day. Contact us today if you need help recovering compensation after a spinal fusion operation in Georgia. A free case evaluation is only a phone call away.
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