Suffering from a back or neck injury at work can be life-changing, even when surgery isn’t required. Many assume that the settlement for such injuries will be insignificant without surgery. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Even back injuries that don’t require surgery—such as soft tissue injuries—can result in substantial workers’ compensation settlements.

In this post, we’ll explore the factors that affect back injury settlement amounts without surgery, and what you can expect in terms of compensation.

*The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

What Are Soft Tissue Back Injuries?

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons rather than bones or discs. Common examples include strains, sprains, and contusions. These injuries can still cause significant pain and mobility issues, affecting your ability to work and live comfortably.

Though less severe than spinal fractures or herniated discs, soft tissue back injury settlement amounts can still be significant, especially if you require extensive physical therapy, chiropractic care, or prolonged time off work.

Factors Influencing a Back Injury Settlement Without Surgery

When determining the settlement amount for a back injury without surgery, several factors come into play:

Medical Expenses: Even without surgery, you may need long-term treatment such as physical therapy, pain management, or chiropractic adjustments. All of these costs should be factored into your workers’ compensation settlement.

Lost Wages: If your back injury has caused you to miss work, whether temporarily or permanently, this lost income will be a key part of your settlement. The longer you are unable to work, the higher your compensation could be.

Pain and Suffering: Many soft tissue injuries result in chronic pain, which can significantly reduce your quality of life. Although workers’ comp usually doesn’t cover pain and suffering, it might indirectly factor in through increased wage loss benefits if your condition worsens over time.

Permanent Impairment: Even non-surgical injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disability. If your injury leads to a partial or full disability, your settlement will reflect this through permanent disability benefits.

Back Injury Settlement Without Surgery: Workers’ Comp Payouts

For individuals who suffer back injuries but avoid surgery, the question is often: How much is the average back injury settlement without surgery through workers’ comp?

The payout can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your injury. In cases where the injury is relatively mild, you might receive a lower settlement—around $10,000 to $20,000. However, if your back injury has caused long-term damage and significant time off work, the settlement could exceed $50,000 or more.

Back and Neck Injury Settlements Without Surgery

Back injuries are often accompanied by neck injuries, especially in cases like slip-and-fall accidents or workplace mishaps. Like back injuries, neck injuries without surgery can still lead to considerable settlements.

If your neck injury impacts your ability to perform job-related tasks or results in chronic pain, these issues will be included in your workers’ comp claim. The average payout for back and neck injury settlements without surgery can be higher if both regions are affected simultaneously, as this amplifies medical costs and recovery time.

What to Expect From a Settlement for Back and Neck Injuries Without Surgery
While every case is unique, here are a few expectations to keep in mind when negotiating a workers’ compensation settlement for a back or neck injury:

Long-Term Care Costs: Even minor back and neck injuries can lead to prolonged medical care, including physical therapy and medications.

Continued Work Limitations: If you are unable to return to your previous job, your compensation should reflect your loss of earning capacity.

Legal Support: Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be challenging. It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that you’re not leaving money on the table during negotiations.

Understanding Your Workers’ Comp Settlement

If you’ve suffered a back or neck injury at work, even without surgery, it’s crucial to understand your rights under workers’ compensation. Your settlement should reflect the true extent of your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact on your ability to work. Learn more at this Utah Labor Commission – What is Workers’ Compensation

At Davis-Sanchez, we specialize in helping workers secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Don’t settle for less than what you’re entitled to—reach out to us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help maximize your settlement.