Knee Injury Workers' Compensation Claims in San Diego

Your knees are probably the most important and most stressed joints in your body. When you think about it, if you try to lift something heavy, it is always the knees that have to bend and take the majority of the stress.

It is no wonder, then, that knee injuries are very common in work places. If you suffered a knee injury on the workplace, you are entitled to some workers’ compensation. To learn more about your rights, you can contact one of many workers compensation law firms. Most of them do not charge for an initial consultation, so you can find out some basics about your case free of charge.

Who is most likely to suffer this kind of injury?

The majority of knee injuries are muscle or tendon injuries caused by overexertion. This leads to the conclusion that manual laborers are the most likely victims. The data seems to confirm this, with construction workers and loading dock workers leading the pack when it comes to knee injuries. Additionally, people who stand a lot during their work day are also at risk, like nurses, delivery people and waiters. Finally, professional athletes often have issues with their knees, as they push their bodies to the limits, and sometimes over those limits, resulting in an injury.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is simply knee pain. However, the discomfort may manifest in different ways, too; stiffness, swelling, limited movability and sensitivity of the knee can all indicate an injury. Knee injuries should not be taken lightly, since having functional knees is a requirement for a lot of jobs.

What to do if it happens?

The most important thing to do if an injury occurs at work is to tell your supervisor. This goes not only for knee injuries, but for any other kind of medical problem which occurs at work. You and your employer need to fill in the information form. This form contains the most important information about the said injury. Once you have notified your supervisor, you need to see a doctor who can diagnose and acknowledge your injury. If your injury is severe, you may get referred to a specialist, such as and orthopedist or a chiropractor.

What is typically covered?

In most cases, all of your medical expenses are paid by your workers’ insurance. That means not only the doctor’s consultations, but also any and all therapy bills and medications. Even additional supplies, such as bandages and a walking cane are typically included. Additionally, you get a part of the wages you lost during the recovery.

What happens after the injury?

After your doctor has determined that you are fit enough to return to work, you will get a form from your doctor. This form determines what type of job you can do. In cases of temporary disability, if you cannot return to your old position, you should be able to get a job which you can do within the company until you have recovered. If your disability is permanent, you may be offered a different position within the company, but if it isn’t possible, you may have to find work elsewhere.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly during any part of this process, contact The Law Offices of Thomas M. DeBenedetto. With our extensive experience of 25 years, and our devotion to your cause, we can help you seek out justice for yourself. The initial phone consultation is free, so you can explain your situation, and our skilled attorneys will estimate your odds of winning the case. If you wish to learn more, contact today.