Shoulder Injury Settlement with Surgery: What’s Your Case Worth in Ohio?

A shoulder injury that requires surgery can turn your life upside down. Whether it happened in a car crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall, you’re likely dealing with significant pain, medical expenses, and potential long-term limitations.

If you’re facing this challenging situation in Ohio, you’re probably wondering: “How much is my shoulder injury settlement worth?”

At The Jones Firm, we’ve guided countless Ohio residents through shoulder injury claims. While each case is unique, understanding the key factors that influence settlement values can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Average Shoulder Injury Settlement Values in Ohio

Shoulder injury settlements involving surgery typically range from $70,000 to $300,000 in Ohio, depending on several critical factors. For rotator cuff tears—one of the most common serious shoulder injuries—settlements generally fall within these ranges:

• Rotator cuff tear, no surgery: $25,000 to $75,000 or more
• Complete rotator cuff tear requiring arthroscopic surgery, full recovery: $50,000 to $120,000 or more
• Complex shoulder surgeries or multiple procedures: $150,000 to $300,000+

However, these are just possible outcomes. There may be limiting factors or value-driving factors in your specific case. For example, comparative negligence or insurance coverage limits could affect the value of your case. In addition, pre-existing conditions may affect the value of your case. Also, your choice of healthcare providers and their opinions (or lack thereof) will affect the value of your shoulder injury claim.

These are just a few factors, and shoulder injury claims can be complex. It is very difficult to value an injury claim early while your symptoms and treatment are ongoing. But it is crucial to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your shoulder injury claim as soon as possible to help build value for your claim.

Key Factors That Impact Your Shoulder Surgery Settlement Value

1. Severity of Your Shoulder Injury

The extent of your shoulder damage significantly affects your potential settlement. For example:

• A complex SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) requiring extensive reconstruction typically results in higher settlements than a simple labral repair.
• Complete rotator cuff tears almost always require surgical intervention and result in higher compensation than partial tears.
• Shoulder dislocations with accompanying nerve damage or vascular complications may lead to significantly higher settlements, especially if they cause permanent limitations.

2. Type of Shoulder Surgery Required

The more invasive and complex your shoulder surgery, the higher your potential settlement:

• Arthroscopic procedures: Less invasive with shorter recovery periods, typically resulting in lower settlements.
• Open shoulder surgery: More invasive with longer recovery times, usually leading to higher compensation.
• Shoulder replacement surgery: These complex procedures often result in the highest settlements due to their significant impact and long-term implications.

3. Your Medical Expenses

Your settlement should cover all your medical costs related to the shoulder injury, including:

• Emergency room treatment
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Surgical procedures and hospital stays
• Post-operative care
• Physical therapy sessions (which often continue for 6-12 months after surgery)
• Follow-up appointments
• Pain management treatments
• Potential future medical needs, including revision surgeries

For many shoulder surgeries, medical bills alone can exceed $50,000, especially when accounting for the full course of rehabilitation.

4. Lost Income and Earning Capacity

Shoulder injuries often prevent you from working, sometimes for extended periods:

• Short-term lost wages: Most shoulder surgery patients cannot work for at least 6-12 weeks.
• Reduced earning capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous occupation, your settlement should reflect this loss.
• Long-term disability: Permanent limitations may affect your ability to earn income for the rest of your working life.

For high-earning professionals or those in physically demanding jobs, lost income can constitute a significant portion of the total settlement.

5. Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional distress caused by a shoulder injury deserve compensation. Factors that influence pain and suffering damages include:

• Intensity and duration of pain
• Impact on daily activities
• Sleep disruption (shoulder injuries often make sleeping difficult)
• Emotional effects, including anxiety or depression
• Loss of enjoyment of hobbies or recreational activities

Ohio law does place limits, or caps, on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Most shoulder injuries will not exceed the damages caps absent extraordinary circumstances.

Ohio’s Statute of Limitations: Don’t Delay

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

How The Jones Firm Can Help Maximize Your Shoulder Injury Settlement

Insurance companies often try to minimize shoulder injury claims, using tactics like:

• Claiming your injury was pre-existing
• Downplaying the severity of your condition
• Questioning the necessity of your surgery
• Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injury

At The Jones Firm, we counter these strategies by:

• Thoroughly documenting your injury through comprehensive medical evidence
• Consulting with medical experts who can testify about the impact of your injury
• Calculating the true value of your claim, including future needs
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
• Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Shoulder Injury

If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury requiring surgery in Ohio, don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. The right legal representation can make a significant difference in your settlement outcome.

At The Jones Firm, we treat you like family, not just another claim number. Our experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious shoulder injury can take, and we’re committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact The Jones Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your shoulder injury case. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case.