Injuries to the knee sustained in an accident at work can range from scrapes and bruising to more severe injuries such as ligament ruptures and strains. Accidents that cause knee injuries can require long-term treatment, such as surgery, physical therapy, or pain medication. Knee injuries are, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the most common forms of occupational injuries. It accounts for nearly 20% of time missed from work due to injury, which is on average a little over two weeks.

A knee injury sustained on the job could qualify many employees for workers' compensation benefits.

If you require additional information or have questions regarding a potential workers' compensation claim, the Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, have extensive experience. We can discuss your claim and explain your available options.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in PA for a Knee Injury?

If your job responsibilities caused or aggravated your knee injury, you may be eligible for benefits or settlements through workers' compensation.

Follow these steps to file a workers' compensation claim for a knee injury.

• Report your injury immediately: To be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, you must notify your employer of the injury within 120 days. Notify your employer in writing, and retain copies for your records. When you disclose the injury to your employer, be prepared to detail the date and location of the incident, as well as how it occurred. Your employer must then report your injury to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
  
  
• Provide proof: Consult a doctor to determine the severity of your injury and obtain an official medical report. Be sure to include any coworkers who witnessed the injury in your initial statement.
  
  
• Follow up: Once you've seen a doctor, reported your injury to your employer, and filed all of the necessary paperwork, follow up on your case to remain informed about your claim, its status, and any upcoming benefits. Keep track of all injury-related expenses and changes to your routine during this time.
  

Obtaining workers' compensation in Pennsylvania for a knee injury can be a time-consuming process, but it is worthwhile. Claims for worker's compensation can be significantly more challenging to pursue than the majority of people believe. Contact a professional if you need assistance navigating the paperwork, dealing with the insurance company, or have concerns about protecting your rights. If you believe you are not receiving the proper medical care or benefits, it is prudent to seek the advice of an experienced PA workers’ comp attorney.

Jobs Where Knee Injuries Are Frequent

Any occupation carries the risk of injury, but some are more dangerous than others. Workers in the following occupations are more likely to sustain a knee injury.

• Medical professionals: Doctors and nurses work lengthy schedules and spend very little time sitting down. Their feet and legs are under constant stress due to their occupation.
  
  
• Delivery and transportation: Transport and delivery require constant carrying, unloading, and hefty lifting.
  
  
• Construction: Construction is a physically demanding and hazardous occupation. Most knee injuries in the construction industry are caused by either traumatic falls or repeated movements that gradually rip or inflame the tendons in the knee.
  
  
• Roofers: As they kneel and bend while performing tasks on a roof, roofers place pressure and weight on their knees. The nature of roofing prevents knees from resting from these movements.
  
  
• Bricklayers and floor installers: Working with heavy supplies and tools, bricklayers and floor installers spend the majority of their days on their knees.
  
  
• Warehouse workers: Common causes of knee injuries in warehouses include heavy machinery, tumbling objects, and physical strain.
  
  
• Professional cleaners: When kneeling to scrub or detail a floor, professional cleaners place tension on their knees.
  
  
• Athletes, dancers, and other performers: Athletes, dancers, and other performers are prone to knee injuries because even when they are not performing, they are exercising, training, or working their legs and knees.
  

Types of Knee Injuries

Any of the following severe knee injuries can result in mobility issues and weeks or months of missed work time.

• Tendinitis: In some cases, patellar tendinitis, or tendinitis of the knee, can require physical rehabilitation and surgery.
  
  
• Dislocated kneecap: A dislocation can result from a fall or impact that causes the kneecap to leave its normal position. Healing can take up to six weeks or more.
  
  
• A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Your ACL is one of the knee's four ligaments. A torn ACL can be difficult to recover from and may require rehabilitation.
  
  
• Broken bones: It is possible to fracture any of the three bones in the knee, including the kneecap.
  
  
• Bone contusions: Bone contusions are the result of a forceful impact that allows fluid to accumulate. This can cause swelling and loss of mobility in the knee.
  
  
• Injury to the meniscus cartilage: The meniscal cartilage cushions the knee, and injuries to this C-shaped cartilage can cause problems with balance and mobility.
  
  
• Knee sprains: Similar to wrist and ankle sprains, knee sprains result from excessive strain on the knee's ligaments.
  
  
• Aggravated runner’s knee or osteoarthritis: If you have an existing knee injury that is made worse by your job duties, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
  

Knees are essential for any job that requires sitting, walking, lifting, or mobility, so injuries to this body part can result in significant income loss. Treatment may necessitate costly surgery and rehabilitation. It is essential to seek workers' compensation benefits to assure coverage for these services. 

Pennsylvania Knee Injury Workers' Compensation Benefits

A number of benefits are available to injured workers under workers' compensation laws. Medical benefits cover any hospital or medical expenses incurred as a result of an employee's injury or illness. Under the Workers' Compensation Act of Pennsylvania, injured workers are entitled to wage loss benefits equal to two-thirds of their weekly pay, up to the state maximum. For 2022, the weekly maximum is $1,205.

The annual maximum in effect at the time of the injury determines the benefit rate. According to the Department of Labor and Industry, the maximum amount of compensation is based on the state's average weekly wage.

Depending on the severity and nature of the injury or illness, workers' compensation benefits may be temporary or permanent and may include the full benefit amount or a partial amount.

An experienced PA workers' compensation attorney can assist you in calculating potential compensation and discussing your workers' compensation claim and knee injury in detail. Contact Brandon J. Broderick today for a free evaluation of your case.

Brandon J. Broderick is Available to Assist You With Your PA Knee Injury Workers' Compensation claim.

If you suffered a knee injury at work, whether as a result of an accident or a chronic condition, or if your claim has been denied, it is in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney. Our team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is experienced with Pennsylvania workers' compensation and employment law. With our compassionate client service and aggressive negotiation, we can assist you in obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.

Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation.