When you suffer a shoulder injury, whether from an auto accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of incident, you may find yourself facing significant pain, medical bills, and time away from work. Seeking compensation for your shoulder injury is a natural step in trying to recover physically and financially. Many people often wonder, “What is the average settlement for a shoulder injury?” However, determining the average settlement for a shoulder injury is not as straightforward as it might seem. The settlement amount can vary greatly depending on several key factors.
Factors Influencing Shoulder Injury Settlements
Shoulder injury settlements are influenced by the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, whether surgery is needed, and how the injury affects your daily life and ability to work. Each case is unique, and insurance companies and courts will consider these factors when determining a fair settlement amount.
The type of shoulder injury you’ve sustained plays a major role in the settlement process. For instance, a torn rotator cuff, dislocated shoulder, or fractured clavicle may result in different settlement amounts depending on the treatment and recovery time needed. Additionally, your age, overall health, and whether you had any pre-existing conditions can also impact the final settlement.
Shoulder Injury Settlement Without Surgery
If your shoulder injury does not require surgery, the settlement amount might be on the lower end of the spectrum. In cases where physical therapy, pain management, or minor medical intervention is sufficient, the settlement may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and a modest amount of pain and suffering. This would be considered a shoulder injury settlement without surgery, and in some cases, there may be discussions of a shoulder settlement without injury, depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim.
However, a shoulder injury can still be debilitating even if you do not require surgery. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the inability to perform daily tasks can all add to the value of your claim. Insurance companies often look at the long-term impact of the injury, not just the immediate medical costs.
Shoulder Injury Settlement with Surgery
The settlement amount generally increases when you need surgery for a shoulder injury. Surgery involves significantly higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and often more substantial pain and suffering. A shoulder injury settlement with surgery will also consider these factors, in addition to the direct costs of surgery, ongoing physical therapy, and potential complications that could extend your recovery or lead to permanent disability.
A settlement involving surgery will typically account for all these factors, leading to a higher compensation amount. The insurance company or court will consider not just the cost of the surgery but also the impact on your life, including any potential loss of future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work.
Auto Accident Shoulder Injury Settlement Amounts
Shoulder injuries stemming from auto accidents can vary widely in their impact, and so can the settlement amounts. Auto accident shoulder injury settlement amounts will depend on the severity of the collision, the extent of the damage to the vehicles, and how clearly the injured party can establish liability.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injury, their insurance company may be responsible for compensating you—depending on whether you live in a fault-based or no-fault state. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. They may argue that your injury was pre-existing or not as severe as you claim. This is where legal representation becomes crucial. Your lawyer knows how to sidestep insurance company tactics designed to pay you as little as possible. Trust the car accident lawyers of Smith & Holder, PLLC. We know how to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney for an Accident Settlement?
Facing the aftermath of a shoulder injury is challenging, especially when trying to secure a fair settlement. A personal injury attorney knows what evidence is most compelling. They know how to organize and present your case in a manner that lets the insurer know that you would win if you took the case to court. This gives the insurer incentive to settle out-of-court, saving everyone involved from potentially costly and time-consuming litigation.
An attorney can help gather the necessary evidence, negotiate assertively with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to court. With the complexities involved in determining a fair settlement, having professional legal support can significantly influence the outcome of your case, helping you secure a settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses. Promptly seeking legal guidance can provide peace of mind and ensure you are not shortchanged in your recovery.
Speak with an Experienced Shoulder Injury Lawyer About Your Injuries Today
If you’ve been wondering what the average settlement for shoulder injury is, it’s probably time to meet with a personal injury attorney. They can advise you of your rights and what you can do to pursue a claim for compensation. At Smith & Holder, PLLC, our dedicated injury lawyers have decades of experience successfully handling all types of shoulder injury lawsuits, including those arising from motor vehicle accidents, falls, and workplace accidents. To learn more about our firm and the services we provide, call us to schedule a free consultation. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
