Does Surgery Increase Workers Comp Settlement in Texas?

WORKERS COMP DOCTORWORK INJURYWORKERS COMPENSATION

2/7/20242 min read

a medical poster with a skeleton in the middle of it
a medical poster with a skeleton in the middle of it

When it comes to workers' compensation in Texas, the question of whether surgery increases the settlement amount is a common concern for many injured workers. However, it is important to understand that workers' compensation does not involve a traditional "settlement" as such. Instead, it is a system designed to provide medical and wage benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

Under the Texas workers' compensation scheme, the focus is primarily on providing necessary medical treatment and compensating for lost wages rather than negotiating a settlement amount. Therefore, the decision to undergo surgery for a work-related injury does not directly impact the settlement amount.

However, it is worth noting that if the surgery is deemed medically necessary by a qualified healthcare professional, it is typically covered by the state's workers' compensation program. The goal of workers' compensation is to ensure that injured workers receive the appropriate medical care to aid in their recovery and return to work.

In Texas, the workers' compensation system operates under a no-fault principle, meaning that employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. This includes coverage for surgical procedures if they are deemed necessary and related to the work-related injury.

It is important to follow the proper procedures and protocols when seeking medical treatment for a work-related injury. This includes notifying your employer as soon as possible, seeking medical attention from an approved healthcare provider, and obtaining the necessary documentation to support your claim.

While undergoing surgery may not directly impact the settlement amount in workers' compensation cases, it is crucial to ensure that you receive the appropriate medical treatment for your injury. This includes consulting with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and recommend the necessary course of action, which may include surgery.

Ultimately, the focus of workers' compensation in Texas is to provide injured workers with the necessary medical treatment and wage benefits to aid in their recovery and return to work. The decision to undergo surgery for a work-related injury should be based on medical necessity rather than the potential impact on a settlement amount that does not exist within the workers' compensation system.

In conclusion, while surgery for a work-related injury is usually covered by the Texas workers' compensation program if deemed medically necessary, it does not directly impact the settlement amount. The primary goal of workers' compensation is to provide necessary medical treatment and wage benefits to injured workers, ensuring they receive the care they need to recover and return to work.