Matt Zar: A Compassionate Advocate in Personal Injury Law
With over 20 years of legal expertise in Los Angeles, Matt Zar of Bridgewater Law Group has established himself as a formidable personal injury lawyer, adept at navigating the complexities of injury law and securing fair compensation for his clients.
The Impact of Surgery on Personal Injury Settlements
Post-accident, your paramount concern is recovery. Severe injuries might necessitate costly surgeries or therapies — expenses you may find daunting. Interestingly, undergoing surgery could influence the size of your personal injury settlement.
Financial worries shouldn’t compromise your health decisions, especially when injuries stem from another’s negligence. Understanding how surgery might affect your settlement is crucial.
Is Surgery Mandatory After Every Accident?
Not all accidents necessitate surgery, but medical advice is key. A healthcare professional’s assessment of your injuries dictates whether surgery is essential for optimal recovery.
Severe accidents can result in injuries where surgery not only aids recovery but also prevents long-term physical impairment. Despite the short-term discomfort, surgery can be a gateway to avoiding prolonged suffering.
Typical Surgeries Following Injury Accidents
Necessary surgeries following accidents differ significantly from elective procedures. They are crucial for proper healing and damage mitigation. Common surgeries include:
- Bone stabilization
- Internal bleeding control
- Soft tissue repair
- Brain stabilization
- Spinal repairs
Medical experts will advise if surgery is needed, cautioning that it might not fully restore pre-accident health but can prevent a life of chronic pain.
Covering Surgery Costs in California Personal Injury Cases
California law allows for the recovery of damages if another party is responsible for your injuries. This encompasses both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible expenses like vehicle repair, property damage, and medical bills.
Surgical costs due to an accident should be considered economic damages recoverable from the at-fault party. It’s crucial to demonstrate the necessity of the surgery, and expert testimony can substantiate this need.
Inclusive Expenses in Surgical Procedures
The cost of surgery can be a deterrent, but it’s important to remember that if another party is liable for your accident, you’re entitled to claim compensation for the surgery. Costs can include:
- Surgical team fees
- Nursing care
- Hospital stays
- Medications
- Post-surgery therapy
- Follow-up appointments
While each case varies, partnering with a California personal injury attorney is essential to track and recover these costs.
Beyond Economic Damages: Understanding Non-Economic Losses
In addition to economic damages, personal injury claims can include non-economic damages, which reflect the subjective losses incurred due to the accident. This encompasses pain and suffering, which surgery could intensify, particularly if it involves extensive rehabilitation or is emotionally traumatic.
Calculating Personal Injury Settlements
Contrary to insurance company claims, there’s no definitive formula to calculate the exact value of damages. A competent personal injury lawyer is indispensable in accurately assessing your claim. They’ll consider not just the economic impact of surgery but also the non-economic toll it takes on your life.
For instance, the loss of a limb requires significant lifestyle adjustments and could considerably increase your claim for emotional and physical suffering.
Additional Considerations in Post-Surgery Settlements
Before filing a claim, reaching your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is essential. Claiming before MMI could result in an incomplete settlement.
Your contribution to the accident also influences your settlement in California. Under state law, your compensation could be reduced proportionally to your share of fault in the accident.
The Indispensable Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a personal injury claim, especially with surgery involved, demands legal expertise. A seasoned lawyer will not only advocate for your economic damages but also for the non-economic hardships endured.
In Los Angeles, the right attorney is critical, particularly if you face medical expenses due to another’s negligence.
Contact Bridgewater Law Group
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need an attorney who’s committed to fighting for your rights. Bridgewater Law Group understands the trauma of accidents and the difficult decision to undergo surgery. We’re here to ensure those responsible for your injuries are held accountable, allowing you to focus on recovery.
For expert legal guidance and advocacy in your personal injury case, contact Bridgewater Law Group at (626) 733-4100 or fill out our online form.