Seeking Compensation for Knee Injuries Suffered On the Job

Knee injuries on the job cannot be taken lightly. They can be extremely debilitating and could even result in the worker being unable to return to work. It could take workers several months or even years to recuperate from knee injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may or may not be possible for a worker to return to his or her pre-injury job. This is because knee injuries can affect a person’s sense of balance, his or her ability to bend down, climb up, sit down, lift things or stand for long periods of time. These are all examples of physical activities that are often required of workers in industries such as food processing, construction or manufacturing, etc. These injuries can also make it difficult for someone to operate the foot controls in heavy equipment, trucks and forklifts.
Types of Knee Injuries
There are several different types of knee injuries that can prevent a worker from returning to his or her job. One of the most common types of knee injuries is meniscal injuries. The meniscus consists of two pieces of cartilage between the shinbone and thighbone that help cushion the knee joint. When there is a meniscal tear, the resulting pain can be intense. Meniscal tears can also cause instability in the knee, which can give an individual a sensation of their knee “giving out” when they perform activities such as climbing stairs or even walking. Treatment for meniscal injuries involves physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, but sometimes, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended.
Ligament injuries involving the knee are often referred to as sprains, but they can be much more complicated than simple muscle strains. These injuries often require months of physical therapy to heal. Sometimes, injuries such as anterior curate ligament (ACL) tears may also require reconstructive surgery. Another common knee injury that is caused by traumatic injury or repetitive stress on the job is Chondromalacia, a disorder caused by the softening of the articular cartilage of the kneecap. Symptoms of chondromalacia include dull pain in front of the knee, pain after sitting for long periods of time and knee stiffness. Treatment options include rest, pain medication and physical therapy.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers who are injured on the job can seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employers. Workers’ compensation usually covers medical expenses and a portion of the lost wages. In addition, depending on the circumstances, workers may also be able to file a third-party claim against an individual or entity other than the employer. Third-party claims are often worth a lot more than workers’ compensation benefits.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on the job, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com

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