If you have injured your knee on the job and are being denied benefits, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann.
The knee is the largest joint in the body and is quite complicated. The knee supports nearly all of the weight of the body. It is susceptible to both acute injury and the development of osteoarthritis. Acute, or sudden, injuries are the most common in the workplace due to the nature of many jobs people perform. However, accidents can occur even when a person is performing a non-strenuous task.
Knee injuries can result from a direct blow to the knee or from bending, twisting, or falling on the knee. Soon after the injury pain, swelling, and bruising may develop. It is also possible for nerves or blood vessels to be pinched or damaged. Depending on the type of workplace accident, the injury may be minor or severe.
Types of Acute Knee Injuries in the Workplace
- ACL injury – the result of changing direction rapidly or landing from a jump
- MCL injury – usually the result of a direct blow to the outside of the knee
- PCL injury – often the result of a direct blow to the front of the knee, even a simple misstep can cause this injury
- Torn meniscus – twisting, pivoting, decelerating often when direct contact is involved
- Breaks or fracture – usually caused by abnormal force, such as falling or severe twisting or falling
However, some knee injuries are not the result of an accident, they develop over a period of time. This is often due to a person’s type of employment where they are required to make repetitive or prolonged movements that put pressure on the knees. This type of injury occurs gradually, the symptoms of which may not interfere with a person’s performance at first. The symptoms may include a dull ache, a specific type of discomfort such as shooting pain or burning sensation, or pain when the area is touched or pressure is applied.
Types of Overuse Knee Injuries
- Bursitis – a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled pads that act as a cushion among your bones and tendons
- Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendons or small tears in the tendons
- Plica syndrome – a thickening or folding of the knee ligaments
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome – pain or discomfort which seems to originate from the contact of the patella and femur
- Iliotibial band syndrome – this injury is generally associated with running, cycling, hiking or weight-lifting
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyers
A knee injury can be expensive, painful, and can lead to partial or permanent disability. If you have injured your knee on the job and are being denied benefits, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Contact our St. Louis, Missouri workers compensation law firm to ensure that your rights are protected. Please call us at (314) 361-4300 or complete our Online Case Evaluation Form.