Back injury settlement

     How much should you expect for your back injury settlement? Clearly, it depends on the type of injury.

At the top of the value chart is clearly spinal cord injuries. Assuming adequate insurance, these cases are typically valued in the millions. Next in line is disc injury cases. Herniated disc injury cases are typically valued at more than ruptured or bulging disc cases but that is such a general rule that there are almost as many cases that fall in the exception as fall under the rule. Some herniated disc cases are million dollar cases and others are relatively minor injury cases that cause the victim little, if any, long term trouble. The settlement value of these types of back injury cases hinge on (1) whether their is any prior injury to that part of the back, (2) what the MRI/CT scan shows, and (3) what the physical symptoms are of the back injury and how the victim's life has been impacted by the injury.

At the bottom end of the scale for the amount you can expect for a back injury settlement is soft tissue back injuries that cannot be confirmed by any diagnostic testing. The value of these cases is going to depend on (1) the credibility of the plaintiff and the severity of the injury, (2) whether there are preexisting back injuries, (3) how significant the impact was, and (4) which insurance company is involved. (You can find analysis of virtually every individual insurance company here - look at the column on the right hand side.) Our law firm rarely handles soft tissue injury case but this is another rule with exceptions. It is cliche but true: every case is different.

Pre-Existing Injuries and Back Injury Settlements?

    The toughest back injury cases involve preexisting injuries. But favorable settlements and jury verdicts can be had in many cases with preexisting injuries. Ultimately, the law is that your compensation should be the difference between how you felt before the accident and how you felt after the accident, assuming the accident caused the change in the condition. The key is having an attorney and a doctor who can articulate the difference between your problems and treatment before the accident and your current condition. If the accident did not cause a change in your condition, your chances of getting a favorable settlement are slim. If, on the other hand, there is a clear change in your injuries from before the accident, the likelihood of a good settlement is quite high.

CONTACT US

       Our lawyers fight to get our clients who have suffered serious back injuries the value they deserve: either by settlement or at trial. Our lawyers are based in Maryland but we handle serious back injury - usually spinal cord injury - claims throughout the country. Call us to discuss your case at 800-553-8082 or get a free on-line consultation. 

Examples of Diagnostic Testing Results for Spinal Cord or Disc Injury Cases

• Sample Report of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Thoracic Spine
• Sample Report of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Cervical Spine, without contrast
• Sample Report of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Cervical Spine & Lumbar Spine
• L5-S1 Injury MRI
• Sample Operative Notes on Lumbar Spine
• Sample Operative Notes on Cervical Spine
• Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery on Video

More Information on Settlement Value of Back Injury Cases

• What is the Value of My Case? (some insight into how insurance companies value claims)
• Is There a Back Injury Settlement Formula? (short answer: no)
• Personal Injury Victim Help Center (information on making claims)
• Paraplegia Average Verdicts (verdict data)
• Study on Hardware and Spinal Surgery (study discussing success of spinal surgery)
• Herniated Disc Information Page (more on herniated disc injuries)
• Herniated Disc Injuries from Truck Accidents (claim information)
• Value of Herniated Disc Cases (settlement and trial values)
• Average Back Injury Settlement (verdict and settlement statistics)
• C4/C5 and C5/C6 Herniated Disc Injury Cases (details on this particular herniated disc injury claim)
• Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions (questions from personal injury victims)
• Maryland Accident Lawyer Blog (discussion of personal injury accident issues)
• Ruptured Disc Injuries (the value of the cases and how they differ from herniated disc injury claims)
• Spondylosis and Car Accident Claims (discussion of settlement value)
• Contact a Back Injury Lawyer at 800-553-8082 or click here for a free consultation anywhere in the United States