Your knees are complicated body joints that you tend to use throughout the day for movements such as standing, crouching, sitting, and bending. Due to the constant use of your knees, they can wear down and sustain damage over time. And if your job requires you to engage in activities that use constantly use your knees, you are at an increased risk of knee injuries. When you sustain a knee injury, you may need to take some time off work as you recover from it. In this case, you may need a Newport News workers comp lawyer to help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Knee injuries are common among cleaners, roofers, carpenters, construction workers, car mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and others.
Common Work-Related Knee Injuries
Your knee acts like a hinge composed of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. These components can get injured as you move your knees repeatedly, when you fall from a height, or a slip and fall. The following are knee injuries you may want to file a workers’ compensation claim for:
- Knee fractures. Usually, these injuries result from high-impact knee trauma like a car crash or fall. Fractures are common in the kneecap.
- ACL injuries. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL can range from sprains to complete tears. When you suffer from a serious ACL injury, you may require surgery.
- Dislocated kneecap. This knee injury can happen when the knee bones slip out of place because of an accident like a fall. This can lead to intense pain, swelling, and inability to walk. Medical treatment may include pain mediation, physical therapy, and manipulation techniques.
- Torn meniscus. A torn meniscus can occur when your knee is violently twisted or rotated. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Because of these symptoms, straightening the affected knee can be difficult.
Let a Reliable Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help
If you sustained a knee injury due to your work, you may be able to successfully pursue workers’ compensation benefits. But workers’ comp claims can be complicated because of disputes with the insurer over the injury’s cause and severity. Sometimes, the insurance company may also assert that your knee injury resulted from a pre-existing injury or condition. Thankfully, an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claim process and gather the necessary evidence to prove that you are entitled to benefits. They will help you build a strong case that the insurance company cannot ruin.
