Can You File a Workers’ Compensation After a Work-Related Knee Injury?

Yes. If you experience a knee injury on the job in Missouri, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

According to recent statistics, one-third of Americans experience knee injuries at least once in their lifetime. While most reported knee injuries occur during high-impact sports, some severe knee injuries can also happen at work. Here’s everything you need to know about work-related knee injuries.

What Are the Common Types of Work-Related Knee Injuries?

Workers in the cleaning, construction, auto mechanics, and carpentry sectors are more likely to get knee injuries at work. This is because most of their duties primarily involve kneeling and carrying heavy loads.

However, the extent of a knee injury depends on the type of accident and the part of the knee impacted most by the accident. Common knee injuries in the workplace include:

Strains and Sprains

The knee can develop sprains and strains at work when you overstretch the ligaments and tendons by carrying heavy loads.

Torn Meniscus and ACL

Meniscus act as cushions or shock absorbers in a knee, but overworking your knee can damage the inside parts and render your meniscus dysfunctional.

Bursitis

Injuries to the bursas in your knee —a fluid-filled sac that prevents friction can cause irritation, inflammation, or knee infection.

Dislocations and Fractures

Direct blows or high impact to the knee can cause bone dislocations or fractures. In severe knee injuries, dislocation and fractures can damage your knees’ blood vessels and nerves.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose and Treat a Knee Injury?

After a work-related knee injury, you should see a primary care provider such as an internist or family practitioner for medical attention. During a medical examination, the PCP will determine the extent of damage on your knee injury by looking for these symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Limping
• Ability to move your knee
• Ability of the knee to bear weight
• Knee deformity

In less severe knee injuries, the doctor may recommend putting some ice on the knee and a few days rest together with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent swelling. However, if the knee injury is chronic, your doctor will do further tests to confirm if you’ll need surgery. 

Can You File for Compensation After a Work-Related Knee Injury?

Generally, yes. Work-related knee injuries can be expensive to treat. Add that cost to lost income, and you’ll be left in severe financial strain. Filing an injury claim will enable you to get compensated for the harm you have suffered. You shouldn’t be afraid to file a workers’ injury claim.

However, before you can file a knee injury claim with your employer, you must first prove that your knee injury is work-related. This is why it’s essential to report your work-related injury to your supervisor immediately after it happens.

It would also help to seek legal representation from an experienced and reputable Missouri workers’ comp attorney. Having an experienced attorney by your side will increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Workers’ Comp Attorneys in Missouri

Have you sustained a work-related knee injury or any other workplace injury? Contact The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman 24/7. We understand how stressful, expensive treating knee injuries can be and can evaluate your case for free.