Lower body injuries are not uncommon for workers in construction, manufacturing, and other sectors.
Falls, slips, collisions, and other accidents can cause injuries of the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. However, to be eligible for workers’ compensation, the injured worker will have to prove that the injury occurred during the course and scope of employment, and not because of a pre-existing condition or an accident that occurred outside of the workplace.
Proving Work-Related Lower Body Injuries
Proving that lower body injury is a result of a workplace accident or overuse of certain muscles during work may be difficult, because there are high chances that the injury could be a result of degeneration, age, or arthritis. So, it is extremely important that the injured worker maintains a proper record of the injuries and events that led up to it. They may also want to consult with a competent Kansas City Missouri workers compensation attorney.
The lawyer will help prepare the case and will ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. The amount of compensation that an injured worker receives depends on the severity and location of the work-related injury. Here is an insight into some common lower body injuries suffered by workers.
Ankle and Foot Injuries
If you have injured your ankle at your workplace, you can seek workers’ compensation from your employer or the insurer. Missouri workers’ compensation system entitles injured workers to receive compensation worth 110 weeks of wage computed at two-thirds of the weekly wage. If you have sustained a mid-foot injury, the workers’ compensation system allows you benefits amounting to 110 weeks of wages at the rate of two-thirds of your weekly wage.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are some of the most common work-related injuries reported, and amongst these, medial meniscus tear is most common. If you have suffered a knee injury, you may be entitled to benefits amounting to 160 weeks worth of pay computed at the rate of two-thirds of your weekly wage. The compensation would depend on the injury rating provided by the doctor.
Hip Injuries
Hip injuries are worth 207 weeks of wages. However, most employer and insurance companies argue that these injuries are worth just 160 weeks of pay. Only a competent Kansas City Missouri workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to educate you on your rights and help you get the best possible compensation for your hip injury.
Lower body injuries can have an adverse affect on a person’s ability to perform work and daily activities. Severe injuries can even leave a person disabled for their lifetime. So, it is important that lower body injuries are not ignored and that immediate medical treatment is sought. If you feel at any point that the employer or the insurance company is trying to delay the compensation or has out rightly refused it, you should immediately get in touch with The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (816) 399-3706.
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