Whenever you report to your workplace, you expect to have protection against injuries. However, serious work-related accidents can take place and impact you forever. A work injury, especially one that affects your knee, may make it hard for you to do the same type of work as before or go to work altogether. In these cases, having a skilled workers’ compensation attorney from the Injured Workers Law Firm is vital. No matter the kind of knee injury claim you have, a good attorney can help you from the beginning to the end. They can help you secure benefits that cover your medical bills and give funds for partial income replacement during your recovery.
Kinds of Knee Injuries Common in Workplace Accidents
The knee is a complex joint that is vulnerable to injuries. At work, you may use your knees to bend, lift, and twist. The following knee injuries can result in a workers’ compensation claim:
- Cartilage damage. Your knee is composed of cartilage, which allows it to function properly. The cartilage helps the knee bones glide smoothly when you straighten or bend your legs. Damage to the knee cartilage can lead to serious pain. Also, you can experience a reduced range of motion when the bones rub together. A torn meniscus is a common damage to the cartilage in a workplace injury. If cartilage damage results from purely degenerative arthritis, it’s not compensable as a job-related injury.
- Ligament tear. Every knee ligament ensures proper knee function. It offers stability to the knee and holds the joint together. A sudden tear to the ligaments in your knee can be compensable under workers’ compensation.
- Broken or fractured knee bones. These injuries can be shown in X-rays. They are usually caused by blunt trauma or falls.
- Soft tissue damage. This includes muscle damage, contusions, bursitis, and dislocation. While it can seem minor, it can be quite painful and can limit movement.
- Amputation. This can happen due to a fall into equipment or a crush incident. While amputation is rare, it can occur.
How a Pre-Existing Injury Can Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Knee Injury
In general, you cannot seek worker’s comp benefits for a pre-existing condition associated with your knee. The state’s workers’ comp only covers accidental injuries. There should be a work-related accident that caused a knee injury. Particularly, knee damage can’t arise from regular exertions or repeated use of your job. Also, the knee injury can’t be due to a pre-existing injury’s gradual deterioration.
