Settlement for Knee Injuries at Workplace

The knee is a vital joint we use for many activities like walking, running, squatting, jumping, and sitting. As we depend so much on the knee, you can imagine how handicapped you feel if you suffer from a knee injury. It’s even worse if your job requires constant moving around and bending. The knee injury can put you out of work for weeks or months, with continuous pain and lost wages.

But you are not alone.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 105,700 employees suffered from knee workplace injuries in 2018 which made them miss work. The good news is that you can file for workers’ compensation if you suffer from a knee injury at the workplace.

The settlement for knee injuries at the workplace depends on different factors like the type of injury, its severity, and the treatment rendered. Let’s take a look at the common types of workplace knee injuries.

Workplace Knee Injuries

Various industries and jobs offer multiple ways of hurting your knees on the job. Examples are construction sites, warehouses, retail stores, carpet installers, or even a desk job. The injury can be anything from:

• Minor abrasions to strains
• Torn ligaments and dislocations requiring surgery for repair
• A slip and fall
• Sudden twisting of the leg
• Repetitive motions like squatting up and down causing excessive joint wear and tear
• Chronic knee pain and damage due to years of squatting, bending, or working on knees

Common Knee Injuries

Of the lot, two common knee injuries can make you bedridden and away from work for some time.

1. Broken or Dislocated Kneecap

The kneecap is a small knee bone covered in cartilage and moves smoothly with other bones and muscles s you walk. However, there’s the risk of fracturing it after tripping on something and landing directly on this delicate body part.

2. Torn ACL

The ACL is the knee ligament that lets your knee move back and forth. Severe impact, repetitive stress, and continuous movement without rest can cause damage. You end up with walking difficulties if this happens. There’s also the risk of not being able to fix accidentally torn ACLs.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Eligible employees can receive workers’ compensation for immediate medical care and some lost wages. There, however, is a condition if you opt to claim workers’ compensation.

You will not be able to sue your employer, except under exceptional circumstances.

Wage replacement disability benefits typically cover about two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly wages, but workers’ comp won’t compensate for pain and suffering.

You can file a lawsuit against your boss if you can prove that someone did the workplace knee injury on purpose. In this case, you can claim all damages, including total wages, medical expenses, emotional distress or pain, and suffering.

Your workers’ compensation attorney in Burbank will guide you with this.

What Is the Average Settlement for Knee Injuries at the Workplace?

There is no fixed or average amount because it all depends on the injury and required treatment.

Depending on the severity, knee injuries treatable by light physical therapy and medication might settle for somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000. Different kinds of surgeries will increase this value in different ways.

Surgery to repair a broken patella (kneecap) may add up to an increased claim amount of around $50,000, including disability benefits.

On the other hand, if you have a torn ACL, you need additional medical care. So the costs increase to more than $80000- potentially even over one hundred grand!

With so much involved in determining workplace knee injuries, your Burbank workers’ compensation lawyer is the best person to assist you. They will give you an idea of the total compensation amount you can expect from any tragic workplace knee injury.