Does Having Surgery Increase Your Workers' Comp Settlement?
Quick Answer: Yes — surgery significantly increases workers' comp settlement value. Surgery establishes a higher medical cost baseline, often results in a higher permanent disability rating, and demonstrates injury severity that insurers and arbitrators take seriously.
One of the most common questions injured workers ask is whether surgery will increase their workers' comp settlement. The answer is almost always yes — and often by a substantial amount. Here's the full picture.
Why Surgery Increases Settlement Value
Three primary mechanisms drive higher settlements after surgery:
1. Higher Medical Costs — Surgery costs $30,000–$150,000+ depending on complexity. Under Illinois workers' comp, all reasonable and necessary medical expenses must be covered.
2. Higher PPD Rating — Surgery typically results in more significant permanent impairment. A higher PPD rating directly multiplies your settlement calculation under 820 ILCS 305/8(e).
3. Established Injury Severity — When a surgeon says you need an operation, it removes any dispute about whether your injury is serious. This strengthens your entire case.
How Much Does Surgery Increase a Settlement?
| Injury Type | Without Surgery | With Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Back/Spine | $25,000–$75,000 | $100,000–$350,000+ |
| Shoulder | $15,000–$45,000 | $60,000–$200,000 |
| Knee | $15,000–$40,000 | $50,000–$200,000+ |
What to Do After Surgery to Maximize Your Settlement
Attend all follow-up appointments, document all symptoms and limitations honestly, request a Functional Capacity Evaluation, and work with a workers' comp attorney to ensure your PPD rating reflects your true impairment.