Vertebral Compression Fracture Settlement Amounts

Vertebral compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae in the spine collapse or are crushed due to trauma. These fractures are common in car accidents, falls from height, and workplace accidents. They can cause severe pain, loss of height, spinal deformity, and in serious cases, spinal cord compression.

Average Settlement Amounts

Single compression fracture treated conservatively settles for $50,000 to $150,000. Single compression fracture treated with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty settles for $75,000 to $250,000. Multiple compression fractures settle for $125,000 to $400,000. Compression fracture with spinal cord involvement settles for $300,000 to $1,500,000. Burst fracture requiring spinal fusion settles for $200,000 to $750,000.

Types of Vertebral Fractures

Compression fractures occur when the front of the vertebra collapses while the back remains intact, creating a wedge shape. Burst fractures are more severe, with the vertebra shattering in multiple directions, potentially sending bone fragments into the spinal canal. Chance fractures involve a horizontal fracture through the vertebra, typically caused by a seatbelt in a car accident.

Treatment Options

Conservative treatment includes pain management, bracing, rest, and physical therapy. This is appropriate for stable compression fractures without spinal cord involvement. Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it. Kyphoplasty is similar but first inflates a balloon to restore vertebral height before injecting cement. Spinal fusion surgery may be necessary for unstable fractures or burst fractures with spinal cord compression.

Long-Term Consequences

Vertebral compression fractures can cause permanent loss of height, chronic back pain, spinal deformity or kyphosis, reduced mobility and flexibility, increased risk of additional fractures, and in severe cases, respiratory compromise from reduced chest cavity volume.

Conclusion

Vertebral compression fracture settlements range from $50,000 to $1,500,000 depending on severity, treatment required, and long-term consequences.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your compression fracture case might be worth.