Knee injuries sustained in an accident at the workplace can range from scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like ruptured ligaments and strains. Accidents that result in knee injuries may need long-term care, including surgery, physical therapy, or prescription pain medication. In fact, one of the most frequent types of industrial injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a knee injury. It accounts for almost 20% of time missed from work due to injury, which is a little more than two weeks, on average.
Due to a knee injury sustained at work, many employees may be qualified for workers' compensation benefits.
If you need more information or have questions about your potential workers’ compensation claim, the Connecticut workers comp lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, have years of experience. We can discuss your claim and give you insight into your options.
Basics of Knee Injuries
The femur, tibia, fibula, and patella are some of the bones that make up the knee. In order to maintain balance and flexibility, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are connected to the bones around the knee.
The meniscus in the knee serves as a stress absorber and guards the top of the tibia. Last but not least, fluid-filled sacs surround the knee and cushion it as it moves. All these elements work together so that the knee functions smoothly as a whole. Trauma to the knee has the potential to permanently alter a person.
Accidental knee injuries at work can be very serious. Injury from falls, repeated motion, or strains can result in missing work time, wage loss, and medical expenses. Additionally, a full recovery could take extended periods of time.
Types of Knee Injuries
Due to the many parts of the knee, there are various ways the knee can sustain injury. These injuries include:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
An ACL injury is a strain or tear of this ligament, which aids in femur–tibia attachment. This kind of injury frequently affects athletes and is brought on by a forceful landing after a jump or a high fall.
At the time of the accident, people who have torn or damaged their ACL frequently hear a loud popping sound. The doctor may advise emergency surgery, depending on the seriousness of the injury. So, it is important to see a doctor if you suffer such an injury.
Torn or Strained Meniscus
The knee cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the shinbone and the thigh bone, is impacted by a meniscus tear. The injury frequently occurs when the knee is rotated or twisted out of place.
Pain, swelling, and difficulty extending the knee are signs of a meniscus injury. When the knee is moving, a healthy meniscus helps to stabilize and support it. To treat this kind of injury, corrective surgery is frequently necessary.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
Opposite to the ACL, the PCL joins the top and bottom of the leg at the rear of the knee. Typical signs of this injury are pain and swelling, and it can be a lengthy time to recover.
Workers' Comp Benefits For a Knee Injury in Connecticut
The state of Connecticut has its own set of laws governing their workers' compensation program, as do many other states. Under Connecticut state law, an injured worker is eligible for workers' compensation that covers medical costs and lost wages.
Workers comp offers medical coverage has no time or cost restrictions, meaning all medical expenses will be covered. As far as lost wages, an injured employee who has been granted workers' comp benefits is entitled to 75% of their typical weekly after-tax salary. In Connecticut, the maximum weekly compensation award is $1,373.
Benefits will not be awarded until an employee is forced to miss more than three work days.
Call Us To Assist You With Your Workers' Comp Claim
Take every advantage you can to improve your chances for a workers' comp claim following a knee injury at work. This includes discussing your case with an experienced Connecticut workers compensation attorney, whether you are preparing to file or your claim has been rejected. The team of attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, has experience with employment law and workers' compensation.
To learn more about your options, get in touch with us right away for a free, no-obligation consultation.