7 Factors That Increase Your Spinal Fusion Settlement

Spinal fusion surgery isn’t just a procedure—it’s a life-changing event. If you’ve been through it due to an accident, you already know the pain, the recovery struggle, and the uncertainty about your future. On top of that, you’re probably wondering, How much is my settlement actually worth?

The answer isn’t simple, but understanding the key factors that influence your spinal fusion settlement can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Severity of Your Injury Matters—A Lot

When it comes to personal injury settlements, the severity of your spinal cord injury plays a huge role. The more serious your condition, the higher your settlement amount will likely be.

• If you suffered multiple back injuries or required lumbar spinal fusion, your personal injury lawsuit could yield a higher settlement.
• A severe back injury affecting the spinal column or nerves in the spinal cord can lead to permanent mobility issues, increasing your settlement value.
• If your accident resulted in partial or full paralysis, you could be entitled to a much higher settlement due to the long-term impact on your life.

Insurance companies will scrutinize your medical records, so having solid documentation from doctors about the severity of the injury is crucial for maximizing your spinal fusion claim.

2. The Necessity of Spinal Fusion Surgery

Here’s the deal: Insurance companies love to argue that spinal fusion surgery wasn’t really necessary. If they can get away with it, they’ll try to minimize your injury claim.

But if your spine fusion surgery was recommended by multiple medical professionals and clearly linked to your accident, your spinal fusion injury settlement is much stronger.

• If your accident directly led to spinal fusion, your lawyer can push for a higher settlement payout.
• Cases involving spinal fusion surgery due to traumatic injuries tend to result in higher settlements.
• If you required surgery to prevent further complications, that strengthens your spinal fusion lawsuit settlement.

3. The Cost of Your Recovery—And It’s Not Just About the Surgery

Your spinal fusion settlement doesn’t just cover the cost of surgery. It should also account for everything that comes after: physical therapy, pain management, follow-up procedures, and any other medical costs.

• Many spinal fusion cases involve additional spinal surgery due to complications.
• You might need physical therapy for months or even years.
• Pain management, medications, and alternative treatments add up fast.
• If your back surgery fails or causes other issues, future medical costs must be considered.

Your personal injury attorney will work with medical experts to calculate your true settlement value, including both past and future medical costs.

4. How Much Your Injury Has Impacted Your Ability to Work

A major part of your spinal fusion lawsuit settlement is the effect on your job. If you can’t work the way you used to—or at all—you need to be compensated for that loss.

• If your injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be entitled to maximum compensation.
• If you had to take a lower-paying job due to physical limitations, that affects your settlement amount.
• The time of settlement matters—some injuries worsen over time, increasing settlement value if properly documented.

Your lawyer will calculate lost wages, future earning potential, and other financial losses to ensure you’re fairly compensated.

5. Pain and Suffering—Because It’s More Than Just a Physical Injury

You can’t put a price tag on pain, but in a spinal fusion personal injury lawsuit, you should be compensated for your suffering. Pain and suffering damages consider:

• Chronic back pain and discomfort
• Loss of mobility and inability to enjoy activities
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression caused by the injury

Your personal injury lawyer will build a case proving how your spinal fusion injuries have impacted your daily life.

6. Proving Liability and Negligence—Because Fault Matters

In Ohio, comparative negligence laws mean that your spinal fusion settlement payout could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. That’s why proving liability is key.

Your lawyer will use:

• Accident reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Expert testimonies

…to establish fault and ensure your spinal fusion claim is strong.

7. Ohio’s Legal Landscape: The Rules That Affect Your Settlement

Every state has different laws affecting personal injury cases, and Ohio is no exception. Here are two major ones that impact spinal fusion lawsuit settlements:

• Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10: You have two years from the date of your accident to file a spinal fusion lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you could lose your right to compensation.
• Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18: This law sets limits on pain and suffering damages, but catastrophic injuries—including those requiring spinal fusion surgery—can be exceptions.

Recent cases, like Cmar v. Ohio Department of Transportation, highlight how proper documentation and legal representation can lead to substantial verdicts and settlements.

What’s the Average Settlement for Spinal Fusion in Ohio?

While every case is unique, the average settlement for spinal fusion varies widely. Some settlements reach six or seven figures, especially for those who have suffered severe back injuries requiring extensive treatment.

Your settlement for spinal fusion surgery depends on factors like:

• The severity of your spinal fusion injuries
• The medical costs associated with treatment and recovery
• The impact on your ability to work
• The level of pain and suffering endured

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury.

You Deserve a Fair Settlement—Let’s Get It

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal injury that required spinal fusion surgery, don’t let the insurance company lowball you. Your life has changed, and you deserve fair compensation for your pain, lost wages, and medical expenses.

At The Jones Firm, we fight for the settlement for spinal fusion surgery that you truly deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start building your case for the future you deserve.