If you will need surgery for treatment of the injury, it's important to have it before you settle your case, not after. You will receive the beneficial effects of the surgery, and the settlement value of the claim will be enhanced because of the higher medical specials. And, if the surgery is not successful, your case is still pending. You will not be able to make a settlement with future medical left open. If your injury is serious and ongoing it is sometimes better to delay settlement or trial. Damages for medical care and lost earnings in the future are speculative and more difficult to prove than past damages.