would like opinions

i was injured over one year ago. im 35 and from NC. ruptured disc with nerve displacement L5-S1.
done esi's and therapy. didnt work. was referred in june to see a neurosurgeon about possible surgery. months went by, no appt. was questioned by wc if that was really necessary appt...and a 2nd opinion dr was seen a couple of months ago, who verified that surgery was most likely necessary. STILL waiting to get that appt!!!!!!!!! i havent had a dr in 6 months!! now how unreasonable is that??? then to top it off, was just informed that wc has set up a mediation in a few weeks!!

1) i know my attorney has said to not settle for anything less than $100k. not knowing if and when i will get better, if its too late for surgery to work now, if and when i will ever get to work again....would it be unreasonable to want and receive more than that?? what would be a reasonable amount due to all the uncertainty?? i would like to settle so that i can be done with them and get better medical care.....but dont want to short change myself. we already know that since this much time has passed, more tests like mri's will be necessary before the dr can determine if surgery will help or if its too late.

2) isnt there something we can do about the lack of treatment?? like negligence or something?

3) is it too late for surgery to work now?? how long does it take for permenant nerve damage to occur?