Should You Get Surgery After a Work Injury? | West Palm Beach, FL Workers’ Comp Attorney Advice

Transcript

Summary

The speaker explains that a major part of their job involves advising clients who have been recommended for surgery but are unsure whether to proceed. Emphasising that surgery is a last resort and a very big decision, the attorney clarifies that they do not force clients to undergo procedures. Instead, they present two main options: clients can choose surgery as the only way to get better, or, if they are afraid to take the risk, settle the case for a lump-sum payment. In the latter scenario, the surgery recommendation is used to negotiate for a higher fee. The ultimate goal is to ensure the client has every option available to make the best decision for their situation.

FAQs

Q: Will the attorney force me to have surgery?

A: No. The attorney states, “I’m not going to tell my clients that they must have surgery“. It is considered a last resort and a very big decision.

Q: What is the attorney’s role when surgery is recommended?

A: Their role is to help clients work through whatever their concerns are to ensure they make the best decision for themselves. They ensure the client understands each option before making a decision.

Q: What if I am afraid to have the surgery?

A: Clients who are afraid to take the risk of a big surgery can decide to settle the case and receive a lump sum of money instead.

Q: How does a surgery recommendation affect my settlement if I don’t have the surgery?

A: If a client chooses to settle rather than operate, the attorney will use that recommendation for surgery to get more money.

Q: Is surgery required to have a workers’ compensation case?

A: No. The attorney does not require clients to undergo surgery. Surgery is considered a last resort and is a very significant decision that ultimately rests with the client.

Q: What options does a client have if they decide against surgery?

A: A client who decides against surgery can choose to settle the case instead, receiving a lump-sum payment rather than proceeding with the operation.

Q: How does the attorney help clients decide whether to have surgery?

A: The attorney addresses the client’s concerns and walks them through each available option so they can make the decision that best fits their individual situation.

Q: Why do some clients choose to move forward with surgery?

A: Some clients decide that surgery is the only option that may allow their condition to improve, so they choose to proceed with the procedure.

Q: Does a surgery recommendation still matter if the case settles instead?

A: Yes. Even if a client chooses not to undergo surgery, the recommendation can still be used as leverage during settlement negotiations.

Transcription of the Video

“A big part of my job is to talk to our clients and give them advice on a bunch of different scenarios, and one scenario that comes up a lot is somebody who’s recommended for a surgery, and they’re not sure whether or not they should have the surgery. Surgery is a last resort and a very big decision. I’m not going to tell my clients that they must have surgery or that you have to have surgery; it’s the only way that your case is going to get better. I’m here to help my clients and work through whatever concerns they have to make sure they make the best decision for themselves. Some clients decide that they want the surgery because that’s the only way that they’re going to get better. Others decide that they are afraid to take the risk of having a big surgery and would rather just settle the case and get a lump sum of money. And we’ll use that recommendation for surgery to get more money, but also make sure that the client has each option before they make a very important decision”.