Keep in mind that the insurance company may try to deny your claim of a work related knee injury.
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It preforms a major function as the largest weight-bearing joint. It is also complex because the knees enable the legs to straighten, bend and swivel. Bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments allow the knees to carry out these important tasks. However, knees are vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Each year thousands of American’s suffer work related knee injuries.
Work Related Knee Injury
Knee injury can be caused by trauma or misalignment. These types of injuries generally happen as a result of one particular incident. However, knee pain with conditions like arthritis, are more gradual knee injuries that take time to develop and may not be as easy to link to a work related problem.
Some common knee injuries include:
- Cartilage injuries, such as Chondromalacia
- Ligament strains
- Tendon tares
- Patello-femoral pain syndrome
- Knee muscle injuries
- Broken or fractured kneecaps
- Meniscus injury
What To Do If You’ve Injured Your Knee at Work
The first thing you need to do is let your employer know, verbally and in writing. Keep a copy of the written notification so you can have proof that you notified them. Be sure to include as many details as possible such as when, where, and how. Keep in mind that the insurance company may try to deny your claim. They will look for reasons to do so, especially if you do not complete all of the steps when notifying your employer.
However, if you injured your knee on the job, you are entitled to workers compensation benefits. You should be compensated for medical expenses, knee surgery, rehabilitation, and lost wages. But it is not always easy to get the compensation you deserve without the help of a workers compensation lawyer.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer
For more than 30 years the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has represented clients who have suffered all types of work related injuries. We have a strong history of helping injured workers get the medical attention and financial compensation that they need.
Call us at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
photo credit: kcxd