If you suffered a serious neck injury that required cervical fusion surgery, you may be wondering what kind of settlement you could expect. While it is natural to search for average numbers, the truth is that there is no simple formula to determine the value of a cervical fusion settlement in Minnesota. Every case is unique.
At Arechigo & Stokka, we understand the deeply personal nature of these injuries and how life-altering they can be. That is why we approach every case with personal attention, compassion, and the strategic focus necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is Cervical Fusion?
Cervical fusion surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae in the neck to stabilize the spine. It is typically performed after a traumatic injury, degenerative disease, or a herniated disc that causes significant pain, weakness, or numbness. This surgery may be necessary when less invasive treatments do not provide relief.
Cervical fusion can take several forms, each of which may impact your recovery timeline and future mobility. Common types of cervical fusion surgeries include:
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF),
- Posterior cervical fusion, and
- Cervical corpectomy with fusion.
Each of these procedures involves different techniques and recovery considerations. After your surgery, your long-term outcomes will depend on how well the bones fuse, whether additional procedures are necessary, and whether you experience complications such as adjacent segment disease. These medical realities influence how much your claim may ultimately be worth.
There Is No Universal Settlement Calculator
If you are searching for an average cervical fusion settlement amount, you are likely to find a wide range of numbers. This can be frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no universal settlement calculator for neck surgery damages because each case is based on several individualized factors.
Unlike car repairs, injury settlements are not based on fixed price lists. Instead, they involve assessing how an injury has impacted your life now and in the future. Let’s look at some of the particular factors that can affect your case.
Severity of the Injury
The extent of damage to your spine plays a crucial role in determining the value of a cervical fusion settlement. More severe injuries—such as spinal cord involvement, multiple-level fusions, or permanent nerve damage—tend to lead to greater compensation because they often result in chronic pain, long-term impairment, and a greater impact on your ability to function.
Long-term disability or a loss of independence increases the potential settlement value, especially when your ability to perform basic tasks is permanently affected.
Type of Fusion Surgery
Some cervical fusion procedures are more invasive than others. For instance, a multi-level fusion involving both anterior and posterior approaches may require more time in surgery, a longer hospital stay, and a more challenging rehabilitation. The complexity of the surgery often increases the cost of medical care and the extent of your damages.
Less invasive surgeries generally involve quicker recovery times and fewer complications. However, more invasive or complex procedures can lead to greater physical limitations, which may elevate the damages in your claim.
Recovery Time and Outcome
Recovery from cervical fusion surgery varies widely. A smooth recovery with minimal complications will likely result in a smaller claim than one involving setbacks like infection, hardware failure, or the need for revision surgery. If you regain full function and return to work, your damages may be less than someone who cannot resume their job or activities of daily living.
A longer recovery process often means more time off work and more extensive rehabilitation services, both of which can increase the value of your claim. Any setbacks or additional procedures can also justify a higher settlement.
Medical Expenses
When evaluating compensation, medical bills are often one of the largest components. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment and ambulance transport,
- Hospitalization and surgical fees,
- Prescription medications,
- Physical therapy or chiropractic care, and
- Future medical care, including revision surgery or pain management.
These expenses add up quickly. Detailed documentation of your treatment and future prognosis is essential to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injury prevents you from working for an extended period—or ever returning to your prior job—it will likely factor significantly into your claim. Compensation may cover:
- Wages lost during recovery,
- Lost earning potential due to disability or physical restrictions, and
- Missed opportunities for promotion or overtime.
These financial setbacks can be lifelong, particularly for workers with physically demanding jobs.
Pain and Suffering
Cervical fusion surgeries can lead to long-term discomfort and limitations that go beyond what the medical bills show. Pain and suffering damages seek to account for your physical pain, the emotional impact of living with a serious injury, and the loss of enjoyment in daily life. These damages are subjective, but they are essential to reflect your total experience. Keeping a journal or providing testimony from family members can support this portion of your claim.
Chronic pain, emotional distress, insomnia, and an inability to engage in previous hobbies or relationships can all be part of a pain and suffering award. The more your daily life has been affected, the higher this category of damages may be.
Applicable Law
In workers’ compensation cases, statutory guidelines also limit certain categories of benefits. Understanding the relevant coverage is a key step your attorney will take early in your case.
Cervical Fusion Claims in Workers’ Compensation Cases
If your neck injury occurred at work, your claim will likely fall under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. Workers’ compensation does not require you to prove fault, but it does limit the types of damages you can receive. You may be eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical benefits,
- Temporary or permanent wage-loss benefits,
- Vocational rehabilitation services, and
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) compensation.
The amount of your workers’ compensation benefits is based on your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) and the extent of your impairment. Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation settlements do not include pain and suffering.
However, if a third party contributed to your injury (for example, in a job-related car accident), you may have a separate personal injury claim. An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether both claims are available to you.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Maximize a Neck Fusion Settlement
Navigating recovery after a cervical fusion is difficult enough without having to worry about dealing with insurance adjusters or paperwork. That is where our team steps in.
At Arechigo & Stokka, we can help protect your rights by:
- Evaluating your case to determine all available sources of compensation,
- Working with medical providers to fully document the extent of your injuries,
- Gathering evidence of your lost income and future earning limitations,
- Negotiating assertively with insurers or opposing counsel, and
- Preparing for litigation when a fair settlement cannot be reached.
With Arechigo & Stokka, you will never be passed off to an assistant—we handle your case personally, from beginning to end. This kind of direct, one-on-one service is what sets us apart from larger firms.
Speak with a Saint Paul Neck Injury Lawyer
If you are recovering from cervical fusion surgery after a workplace accident or traumatic injury, you likely have many questions about your legal rights and financial recovery. At Arechigo & Stokka, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through your options with clear, compassionate advice.
Contact us today by calling us at (651) 222-6603 or filling out our secure contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you move forward after a serious neck injury.
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