The High Costs Associated With ACL Surgeries

Our bodies have a high capacity to heal. When we cut our finger, scrape a knee, or suffer a bruise, our body works quickly to fix the issue while we go on with our day. Most times, we do not notice that healing is even occurring. Unfortunately, there are certain injuries and conditions that the body cannot properly heal without help. In these situations, surgeries and medical interventions become necessary.

ACL injuries often require medical attention. These ligaments are strong, so it takes a significant event to compromise them. With an injury this severe, most people must go to the doctor and may even need to have surgery to fix their ACL injury.

Although all surgeries cost a large amount of money, ACL surgeries are especially expensive. In fact, most ACL surgeries cost between $20,000 and $50,000. This is just for the surgery and disregards any hospital stay, complications, rehabilitation, therapy, and other necessary treatments for these types of injuries. Even if you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost can be debilitating.

If you have injured your ACL and need surgery, it is important that the responsible parties pay for the damage. There are several ways that this can happen if you have proper legal representation.

Personal Injury

Most individuals damage or tear their ACL through injury. A strong blow to the knee area, for example, can cause significant damage to this ligament. If the accident that caused your injury was someone else’s fault, you may have a personal injury claim.

Personal injury cases are appropriate when one person’s negligence causes an injury to someone else. The injured party can press charges to ensure that the responsible individual pays for the consequences of their actions.

Negligence is key in these cases. You must be able to prove that the other person was neglecting their responsibilities and that neglect caused the accident. For example, if an individual is texting and driving, they are not following the law and are neglecting their responsibility as a licensed driver. If they hurt you in the process, you can file a personal injury claim against them.

If your ACL injury happened because someone neglected their responsibility, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. The settlement from this claim can help you pay for your surgery, time away from work, and more.

Workers’ Compensation

If you hurt yourself at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. These payments are a form of insurance and help to ensure that injured employees do not need to pay for workplace accidents.

If you hurt your ACL while at work, you may be able to make a workers’ compensation claim to help you pay for your surgery. It is imperative that you begin the claims process right away to give yourself the best chance of getting the compensation that you deserve. Keep in mind that there are a few situations that may prevent you from being eligible for workers’ compensation. They are:

• You caused the accident on purpose to receive compensation.
• You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident happened.
• You were roughhousing or playing around when the accident occurred.

In most other situations, workers’ compensation should be able to help you after a workplace accident, including ACL injuries.

Workers’ compensation should pay you 75% of your average weekly payments while you are recovering from your injury. It should also cover any medical bills for the surgery, treatment, and rehabilitation that you need.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Cost of Knee ACL Surgery?

A: ACL surgery costs between $20,000 and $50,000. This is just for the surgery and does not include additional doctor’s visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. If you have to undergo ACL surgery, it is important to make sure that the responsible party pays for the cost. If you are unsure of who is responsible, talk to an attorney to find out.

Q: Will Insurance Cover ACL Surgery?

A: Yes. ACL surgery is usually considered a necessary procedure, which means that insurance should cover the cost. However, you may still have to pay a deductible, which can be a significant burden depending on your insurance plan. Be sure that you seek legal help if you believe that someone else was responsible for your ACL injury or if you hurt your ACL in a workplace accident.

Q: What Is the Number One Reason for ACL Reconstruction Failure?

A: When an ACL reconstruction is unsuccessful, it is usually because of a technical surgical error. It is important to find the best surgeon in your area before you schedule an ACL surgery. Because surgery is expensive, especially from well-qualified surgeons, it is important to understand your legal rights surrounding personal injury and workplace accidents. Settlements from these cases may help you pay for high-quality surgical care.

Q: What Are Four Possible Factors That Contribute to ACL Tears?

A: ACL tears often happen because:

• An individual stops suddenly and changes directions.
• An individual pivots their leg but keeps their foot firmly planted.
• An individual lands poorly from a jump.
• An individual experiences a blow to the leg, such as in a football or other sports injury.

There are many situations in which a person can tear their ACL. Personal health and wellbeing may also contribute to a person’s likelihood of experiencing an ACL injury.

Trust Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler

Having an attorney by your side throughout your personal injury or workers’ compensation claim is extremely helpful. There are many moving parts in these situations, and it is entirely possible to miss key funding, support, or settlements that you deserve if you do not have a lawyer. Fortunately, our firm has been representing clients in both areas for many years. We know how difficult an ACL injury is and just how much it can impact your life. We are here to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve so you can recover quickly and move on with your life.

For more information, contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler.