Workers’ Compensation and Knee Injuries

The knee is one of the most useful and important joints in our bodies. It allows us to run, jump, sit and squat. If you’ve injured your knee, you know how much you depend on it every day. And, if you have a job that requires you to move around a lot, an injury can put you out of commission for weeks or even longer. For most of us, no work equals no paycheck.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 105,700 employees suffered knee injuries on the job in 2018 that caused them to miss work. And, 2,140 of these injuries happened to workers right here in Tennessee, and 1,760 knee injuries in Georgia. If you find you’ve become one of these statistics, you’re likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Knee injuries at work

There are a wide variety of industries and a wide variety of ways in which you could hurt your knees on the job. It might happen on a construction site or in a warehouse, or at a desk job or retail store. Knee injuries can range from minor abrasions and strains all the way to torn ligaments and dislocations, sometimes requiring surgery to repair.

Damage to the knee might occur from an acute injury, like a slip and fall or sudden twisting of the leg. Knee injuries can also happen cumulatively, meaning by repetitive motions (squatting up and down) causing excessive wear and tear on the joints. Employees can also develop chronic knee pain and damage from years of squatting and bending, or working on their knees. A good example of this are carpet installers or similar types of workers.

When you suffer a knee injury on the job, you’ll likely need time off for treatment, physical therapy or even surgery.

What should I do if I hurt my knee at work?

If you have an accident at work, or you’re diagnosed with an injury to your knee(s), the first thing you should do after seeking medical attention is report your injury to your employer. Many people underestimate knee pain and injuries, preferring to just wrap or ice the knee and get back to work. However, without a proper diagnosis, you can injure your knee even further without realizing until it’s too late. Further, it’s important to document any work-related accident or injury for workers’ comp purposes.

Your workers’ compensation attorney can assist you with collecting documentation and medical records, as well as helping ensure your claim and other paperwork is filed properly and on time.

Preventing knee injuries on the job

Your employer can also help you and your co-workers avoid knee injuries altogether by taking some simple precautions.

• Providing knee padding or support for workers who frequently bend or squat on the job
• Providing training and resources on taking breaks and stretching the knees, etc.
• Providing workspaces and seating that allow workers proper posture and footrests
• Storing frequently-used supplies and tools on higher shelves to avoid excessive bending and squatting to retrieve them

If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation while you heal from your injuries. Workers’ comp benefits include medical treatment, temporary disability payments and compensation for permanent disability.

Here at Wagner & Wagner, Attorneys at Law, our workers’ comp lawyers work with you to get the compensation you’re owed when you’re hurt on the job. Get in touch today. We serve clients in Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN, in North Georgia, and all surrounding counties. Call us today at 423-756-7923 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.