If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, you may be facing serious medical procedures, including surgery. Surgery not only impacts your recovery but can also significantly increase the value of your personal injury claim. Insurance companies consider the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and long-term effects when determining compensation.
In this article, we’ll break down the types of surgeries that can increase your compensation after and accident in New York, the factors that influence compensation, and how an experienced accident lawyer in New York City can help maximize your claim.
Mitchell Proner has been recognized as one of the most talented and experienced trial advocates in the country. He has represented clients in over 30 jurisdictions across five continents and has won over $400 million for accident victims. If you’ve been injured in a accident call us today for a free case evaluation at 202-986-3030.
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Is Surgery Always the Best Option?
The simple answer: not always. According to our lead attorney, Mitchell Proner, “No one should undergo surgery unless it’s truly necessary. Your health is far more important than increasing the value of a case.”
The decision to have surgery should always be made by a doctor, not a lawyer. That said, if surgery is necessary, it can increase the value of your compensation claim, especially if the case goes to trial. Insurance companies know this and often offer a settlement before the case even reaches court.
Why Does Surgery Increase the Value of an Injury Claim?
The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential compensation. When surgery is necessary, several factors come into play:
- High medical bills, including hospital stays and specialist fees
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
- Extended recovery time affecting your ability to work
- Lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Insurance companies factor these elements into their settlement offers. Having surgery documented as part of your treatment can strengthen your case and justify a higher payout. At Proner & Proner, we will help you get the highest possible compensation.
“No one should undergo surgery unless it’s truly necessary. Your health is far more important than increasing the value of a case.”
Common Surgeries That Can Increase Your Settlement
Below are some of the most common surgeries that tend to raise the value of accident compensation in New York:
Spinal Surgery
Back and spinal injuries are common after car accidents in New York and slip-and-fall incidents. Some common spinal procedures include:
- Spinal fusion (stabilizing vertebrae)
- Discectomy (removing a damaged disc)
- Laminectomy (removing part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure)
These surgeries are expensive, require long recovery periods, and can lead to permanent mobility issues, making them a key factor in increasing claim value.
Orthopedic Surgery
Bone fractures and joint injuries often require surgical intervention, such as:
- Hip or knee replacement
- ACL or ligament repair
- Rotator cuff surgery for shoulder injuries
These injuries often result from construction site accidents in New York City, workplace falls, or vehicle collisions. The medical costs and lost wages associated with these procedures play a major role in determining compensation.
Brain and Neurological Surgery
Severe head trauma may require life-saving procedures such as:
- Craniectomy (removing part of the skull to relieve brain swelling)
- Surgery to stop brain bleeding or repair nerve damage
These types of surgeries not only generate high medical costs but can also permanently impact the victim’s quality of life, justifying a higher settlement in injury claims after surgery in New York.
Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
Accidents that cause severe scarring, burns, or disfigurement may require procedures such as:
- Skin grafts for burn victims
- Plastic surgery to repair visible scars
Because these surgeries directly affect a person’s appearance and confidence, they often contribute to pain and suffering damages, leading to higher compensation.
Amputation and Prosthetic Procedures
In severe cases, victims may require limb amputation and prosthetics, leading to substantial compensation due to:
- High costs of prosthetic devices and ongoing maintenance
- Permanent disability affecting work and daily activities
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
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Other Factors That Can Affect Your Compensation
Beyond surgery and medical expenses, several other factors can influence the compensation an accident victim receives. The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits play a crucial role, as compensation is often restricted to the maximum coverage amount available.
Additionally, if the injured person has uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it may help bridge the gap if the responsible party’s insurance is insufficient. Other considerations include the presence of multiple liable parties, state laws regarding comparative negligence, and whether the victim’s own insurance policy includes medical payment (MedPay) coverage.
Another crucial factor is the experience and skill of your personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney understands how to properly value your claim, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and gather the necessary evidence—such as medical reports, expert testimony, and wage loss documentation—to maximize your compensation.
On the other hand, an inexperienced or unqualified lawyer may overlook key damages, accept a lowball settlement, or fail to build a strong case, ultimately costing you thousands of dollars. Choosing a skilled accident lawyer can make the difference between a minimal payout and full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future medical needs.
How a New York Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled personal injury lawyer in New York can ensure that you receive full compensation by:
- Accurately assessing your claim value, including future medical costs and lost earnings
- Negotiating with insurance companies to prevent lowball settlement offers
- Taking your case to court if necessary to secure the maximum compensation
At Proner & Proner, we have over 60 years of experience fighting for accident victims in New York and Connecticut. If you’ve been injured and require surgery, you need a lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. CALL US NOW.
We return our clients’ phone calls. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. I give out my personal cell phone number to all my clients, and I tell them they can feel free to contact me at any time. That’s what makes us different.
