Workers' compensation claims vary significantly in complexity and cost, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) report sheds light on the average total incurred costs per claim. This amount encompasses medical and indemnity expenses for various body parts, including neck injuries. This number helps answer the question, “What is the average workers’ comp neck injury settlement.”
Neck Injury Settlement Amounts
A critical query often arises: What is the average workers' comp neck injury settlement? The average cost for neck injuries in workers' comp claims is approximately $65,659. This figure breaks down into medical costs averaging $34,397 and income losses averaging $31,262. The substantial financial burden of neck injuries highlights the importance of workplace safety and preventive measures.
Comparative Insights Across Injury Types
Average Workers' Compensation by Body Part, 2020-2021
www.consumershield.comAverage total incurred costs per claim by part of body, nature of injury, and cause of injury - Using WCSP Data as of Latest Report Available for Accident Years 2020-2021 and states where NCCI provides ratemaking services.
Source: National Safety Council
The NCCI report provides further context by comparing neck injuries to other types of injuries:
- Head/CNS Injuries: These are the most expensive, with an average total cost of $94,285, due to the serious impact on the brain and central nervous system.
- Multiple Body Parts: Injuries affecting multiple body parts average at $62,257, indicating the complexity of such injuries.
- Leg Injuries: These follow closely with an average total cost of $60,901.
- Hip/Thigh/Pelvis Injuries: These injuries incurred an average total cost of $60,155.
These numbers tell you the losses you incur. Your losses, in turn, affect your settlement.
Factors Affecting Workers Comp Settlements for Neck Injuries
Many of the following factors will affect the workers’ comp settlements for neck injuries:
Treatment You Receive
More expensive treatments will often result in larger settlements. If you settle your claim, the insurer will include any future treatments or therapies you need. When your injury requires additional surgeries, you will receive compensation to pay for it. Thus, a workers' comp neck fusion settlement will cover the cost of this expensive treatment.
Severity of Your Injury
Injuries that cause long-term disabilities will result in larger settlements than those in which you make a full recovery. In most states, your workers’ compensation includes disability payments equal to a portion of your average weekly wages. If you miss more work, you will receive more. The highest settlement amounts are paid for a permanent neck injury that prevents you from any future gainful employment.
