Knee injuries are very common at work, especially in jobs that require a lot of hard work. When workers hurt their knees, they may be in a lot of pain, be unable to move around as much, and in the worst cases, be unable to work for a long time. These injuries can make it hard for a person to make a living and live their life as they see fit. People who have been hurt on the job need to know the most common types of knee injuries and how they affect workers’ compensation claims in order to get fair pay and justice.
Types of Common Knee Injuries in the Workplace
People put a lot of weight on their knees, which are complicated joints that get strained when they do everyday things. Depending on the job and the event, knee injuries can range from minor sprains to tears and broken bones. Below are some of the most common knee injuries seen in workers’ compensation claims:
- Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL Tears): The knee contains several important ligaments that help stabilize the joint. Among the most common ligament injuries are those to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These injuries often occur in high-impact activities like construction, manufacturing, or sports-related jobs. A torn ligament can require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.
- Meniscus Tears: It is made up of cartilage and acts as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint. When the knee twists or turns quickly, like when moving heavy things, kneeling, or squatting at work, the meniscus can tear. Injuries to the meniscus can range from small tears to full ruptures, and surgery or physical therapy may be needed to fix them.
- Patellar Tendonitis: When the muscle that joins the kneecap to the shinbone gets hurt from overuse, it’s called “jumper’s knee.” People who work in warehouses, farms, or buildings often get this condition because they have to bend, squat, or jump for long periods of time. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, although severe cases may require surgery.
- Fractures: Knee fractures can happen at any job, but they are most likely to happen if an employee falls, gets hit by something, or is in a car accident. Fractures of the kneecap (patella) or the bones surrounding the knee joint may require surgery and a prolonged recovery period, which can significantly affect a worker’s ability to perform their duties.
- Bursitis: That’s what bursitis is: swelling in the bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid that protect the knee joint. It’s often caused by doing the same thing over and over, like kneeling or squatting for long amounts of time. People who work in manufacturing, building, or cleaning may be more likely to get bursitis. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are some of the symptoms. You may need to rest, get anti-inflammatory drugs, or get shots.
The Impact of Knee Injuries on Workers’ Compensation Settlements
A knee injury can have a big effect on your finances and your health. Workers’ compensation payments are very important for helping workers who have been hurt on the job. Employees who get hurt on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation, which pays for their medical bills, therapy, and lost wages while they heal. But knee injuries can be very different in how bad they are and how long they last, which can change the amount of pay that is given.
Severity of the Injury
How much a worker gets in compensation depends a lot on how bad their injury is. Workers with serious injuries such as torn ligaments or fractures may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. These workers will generally be entitled to higher compensation due to the extended period of recovery, the cost of medical treatments, and the possibility of permanent disability.
Permanent Disability
In some cases, knee injuries can result in permanent disability. This could include a worker’s inability to return to their previous occupation or limitations in their ability to perform everyday activities. For permanent disability, the workers’ compensation settlement will usually involve a lump sum payment that reflects the long-term impact of the injury on the worker’s ability to earn an income.
Workplace Impact
It depends on the job how physically demanding it is. How much a knee injury affects a worker’s ability to do their job is a key factor in workers’ compensation payouts. For instance, construction workers or factory laborers who sustain knee injuries may have a harder time returning to their duties, especially if the injury limits their mobility. In these cases, workers may need to explore retraining opportunities for less physically demanding roles, which could also influence the settlement amount.
Employer Liability and Insurance
The employer’s liability and the type of workers’ compensation insurance coverage will affect the settlement. Some insurance policies may offer more comprehensive benefits, allowing for higher compensation payouts. Additionally, if the injury was caused by the employer’s negligence, workers may be entitled to further compensation beyond typical workers’ compensation benefits.
Seeking Professional Guidance
It’s important to know how your knee injury affects your life and how it affects your work when you’re trying to get workers’ compensation. Talking to an experienced lawyer about a knee injury you got at work can help you get through the claims process and make sure you get the money you deserve.
It’s possible that workers don’t fully understand their rights or how much they are entitled to by law. Talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more that can help you understand how your accident has affected you and how to get the most money for your claim.
When workers know the different kinds of knee injuries that can happen at work and how they might affect their workers’ compensation claims, they can make smart choices and get the help they need to get better and move on with their lives.
