The doctor has confirmed that your torn rotator cuff requires surgery, and you're worried about mounting medical bills and lost wages. Meanwhile, the insurance company is pressuring you to accept a quick settlement that seems inadequate for your suffering and financial losses.
At Kode Law, Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that shoulder injuries can take on accident victims. Our team has helped numerous Seattle residents recover fair compensation for rotator cuff injuries caused by negligent drivers, taking into account both immediate and long-term consequences.
How Insurance Companies Value Rotator Cuff Injury Claims
Torn rotator cuff injuries often require surgical intervention, extensive rehabilitation, and may result in permanent limitations. Insurance companies know these injuries typically command higher settlements than soft tissue injuries that heal completely and leave no lasting impact on an accident victim’s daily routine.
When calculating settlement offers, adjusters typically consider your medical expenses, including the cost of surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up care. They also factor in your lost income during recovery, which may be substantial if your job involves physical labor or overhead movements.
Pain and suffering damages are more subjective but equally important. The physical discomfort, limited mobility, and impact on daily activities associated with rotator cuff injuries often justify significant compensation beyond medical bills.
Most importantly, adjusters assess your likelihood of full recovery. If medical records indicate you'll have permanent limitations or require future medical treatment, this should significantly increase your settlement value. Our Seattle car accident lawyer can help ensure these long-term impacts are properly accounted for in settlement negotiations.
Factors That Increase Rotator Cuff Surgery Settlement Values
Every case is unique, but there are several key elements that can substantially impact the compensation you receive for a rotator cuff injury following a car accident in Seattle.
- The severity of your rotator cuff tear. Complete tears generally warrant higher settlements than partial tears, while injuries requiring surgical repair typically command more compensation than those treatable with conservative measures alone.
- Your age and occupation. Younger victims may receive higher settlements due to longer-term impacts, while those in physically demanding professions often secure larger settlements because of greater wage loss and potential career limitations.
- Pre-existing conditions. While insurance companies might try to attribute your injury to pre-existing shoulder problems, documented evidence showing the accident aggravated or worsened an existing condition can sometimes strengthen your case rather than weaken it. Working with an experienced attorney is key to gathering this evidence.
- The nature of the accident itself. High-impact collisions typically result in higher settlements because they more clearly demonstrate the mechanism of injury. Similarly, cases with clear liability against the other driver generally result in more favorable settlements than those with disputed fault.
- Your adherence to treatment recommendations. Following medical advice, attending all physical therapy sessions, and documenting your recovery process demonstrates the legitimate nature of your injury and your commitment to your health.
Typical Settlement Ranges for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Cases involving partial rotator cuff tears treated without surgery generally settle in the $25,000 to $150,000 range when there's a good recovery. These settlements primarily cover medical expenses, some lost wages, and moderate pain and suffering.
Complete tears requiring surgical repair often settle for $75,000 to $250,000, especially when followed by extensive physical therapy. In addition to increasing your medical expenses, you may need to miss work to attend therapy appointments.
If your surgery involves more complex procedures like a total shoulder replacement, settlements may reach $150,000 to $300,000 or more. Higher settlements typically occur when there are permanent limitations after surgery.
Remember that these figures represent general ranges only. Your specific settlement will depend on the unique aspects of your case, the strength of your evidence, and the available insurance coverage from the at-fault party. Preet and her team can provide additional guidance as your case progresses.
