Overview
A knee injury sustained at work can have significant and lasting effects on an individual’s life. Such injuries often result in pain, limited mobility, and physical discomfort, which can hinder an individual’s ability to perform their job effectively. This, in turn, may lead to work-related stress and anxiety as one grapples with the fear of job security or financial instability.
The California Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) in 2021 reported that there were 14,600 cases of knee injuries that resulted in days away from work. This represents an incidence rate of 5.2 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers. Individuals must seek workers’ compensation or legal remedies to secure financial support and ensure their rights are protected following a workplace knee injury.
Aftermath of a knee injury at work
Filing for a knee injury at work compensation sustained at work is essential. It ensures that you receive the necessary medical care and treatment for your injury, often at no cost to you, thereby aiding in a faster recovery and return to work. Here are some things to keep in mind and some steps to follow for a seamless process for knee injury at work compensation:
- Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. This is important for several reasons. First, it allows your employer to investigate the incident and take steps to prevent similar injuries from happening in the future. Second, it creates a record of the injury, which can be helpful if you later decide to file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your knee injury seems minor, it is important to see a doctor to get it properly diagnosed and treated. This will help you to recover as quickly as possible and minimize the risk of further injury.
- Keep a record of all medical expenses. This includes doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other costs associated with your injury. This documentation will be important if you file for a knee injury at work compensation claim.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. This is essential for your recovery. If your doctor tells you to rest, do not go back to work until you are fully healed.
- File a workers’ compensation claim. If your knee injury was caused by your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This includes payments for medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
Average knee injury at work compensation
The amount of your settlement will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injury, the extent of your lost wages, and your medical expenses. Workers’ compensation provides financial support in the form of wage replacement benefits during the time you are unable to work due to a knee injury. By filing a claim, you protect your legal rights and prevent the potential financial burden of medical bills and lost wages. Here are some statistics on the expenses that are typically covered by a knee injury at work compensation claims:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of doctor’s visits, surgery, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment that is necessary to treat the injury. 70% of workers’ compensation claims for knee injuries involve medical expenses.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be entitled to lost wages benefits. The amount of your lost wages benefits will depend on your average weekly wage and the number of weeks you were unable to work. 20% of workers’ compensation claims for knee injuries involve lost wages.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your old job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. This can help you to find a new job that is compatible with your physical limitations. 10% of workers’ compensation claims for knee injuries involve vocational rehabilitation.
Besides the core benefits of workers’ compensation, there are extra provisions to aid injured workers. These include covering travel expenses for medical treatment, and potential support for transportation and lodging.
Conclusion
Contacting a lawyer for your workers’ compensation claim related to a knee injury is crucial. They help you navigate the complex system, meet deadlines, gather necessary evidence, and understand your rights. They also advocate against insurance companies that may minimize payouts or deny valid claims, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and potential disability benefits. If you’ve experienced a knee injury at work in California, reach out to us without delay at (619) 374-9320. Allow us to be your dependable legal allies, committed to safeguarding your rights, assisting you in navigating the workers’ compensation procedure, and obtaining the necessary compensation for your rehabilitation.
