Does Surgery Increase Workers' Comp Settlement in Washington State?

Suffering a serious workplace injury that requires surgery can be a life-altering experience. Beyond the pain and long recovery, you may be wondering how your medical treatment — including surgery — impacts your workers' compensation settlement in Washington State. Does undergoing surgery increase your L&I settlement? And if so, by how much?

The answer is yes, but there is no fixed amount. The increase depends on factors like the surgery’s impact on your functioning and the potential for permanent impairment as determined by the impairment rating after the surgery.

As Seattle workers' comp attorneys with decades of experience, we've seen firsthand how the timing and type of surgery can affect settlement amounts. Let's explore what factors influence surgery-related settlements and what you might expect in your case.

What Influences Workers' Comp Settlements After Surgery?

Workers' compensation settlement amounts are fundamentally determined by how the person functions after the surgery and the permanent impairment rating assigned at the end of the claim. This rating, specific to the affected body part, directly corresponds to a monetary value established in a published table created by the L&I.

How Are Workers' Comp Settlement Types Related to Surgery?

In Washington State, workers' compensation claims are typically settled in one of these ways as related to surgery:

• L&I disability pension: This is a continuing benefit provided if a work injury leads to a permanent inability to engage in any gainful employment. The results of any surgery are a key consideration in assessing the extent of this permanent impairment.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: A single payment made when an L&I claim is closed. This typically follows the point of maximum medical improvement, which may include the completion of surgery. The PPD award amount is determined by the lasting impairment caused by the injury, taking into account the effects of any surgical treatment.
• Claim resolution settlement agreement (CRSA): This option allows for the settlement of a claim for a mutually agreed-upon amount. A CRSA can be reached after surgery, when the long-term implications of the injury are better understood. By entering into this agreement, the injured worker generally releases all future benefits, except medical care, in exchange for the settlement payment. The outcome of any surgery performed is a factor in determining the settlement value.

How Much Does L&I Workers' Comp Pay After Surgery?

There is no standard settlement amount for workers' compensation cases because each injury, surgery, and recovery is unique. Average amounts, however, are $2,000.

Below are the 2025 hourly workers' comp rates for some businesses in Washington State:

Don’t Sell Your Case Short. We Won’t. Call Today.

At Lehmbecker Law, our Washington State workers' comp attorneys help injured workers secure appropriate settlements that cover their surgical costs and related expenses. We understand how L&I evaluates claims involving surgery and know how to document all aspects of your case to maximize your compensation.

Don't risk accepting a settlement that fails to account for all your future medical needs. Contact our team serving clients throughout Washington State – and we will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.