According to the Knee Pain Centers of America, knee pain accounts for almost 33% of all doctor’s visits for muscle and bone pain. It’s common at all ages. Many knee injuries occur at work.
Workers’ comp may cover lost wages and medical expenses. And, it works on a no-fault law meaning neither the injured worker nor the employer has to be determined to be at fault. The benefits a worker receives is not decreased by the worker’s carelessness, nor are they increased by an employer’s negligence.
Read on to understand workers’ comp knee injury cases. Contact our workers’ comp attorneys with any questions or to go over the details of your case.
Workplace injuries of all kinds are often linked to certain problems or actions during work. These include:
The knee may be only a single part of the body, but it’s made up of a large group of tendons and ligaments. That complex anatomy means that there are also several different ways to injure it.
Examples of workers’ comp knee injury cases include:
There is no exact formula for a workers’ comp settlement. Every claim is different.
An injury settlement can include:
Both types may or may not apply in all cases.
However, while you are waiting for settlement, there are formulas used to calculate your wage-loss benefits. Knowing about it can help you decide if the offer you’re being given is a fair one. In Pennsylvania, workers’ comp wage loss payments are calculated based on your average weekly wages before the accident.
There are several ways to help you get the maximum workers’ comp benefits.
Report your injury to your employer within 120 days by email or text so you have proof.
Get prompt treatment and stick to your treatment schedule. Don’t delay treatment or ignore medical advice.
Don’t ignore work restrictions and don’t allow your employer to ignore them.
Be honest and upfront. Bending the truth is dangerous.
Don’t accept directly any offer from the insurance company without a workers’ comp attorney (specialist in workers’ comp). Evaluate each settlement offer carefully before accepting it. Wait until you understand the full extent of your injuries and their future impact to choose one.
Don’t return to work in any capacity until cleared by a doctor of your own choosing if you do not feel able to.
What should you do after you’ve submitted your claim? What if you’re sure it’s right and you’ve already begun the necessary medical treatments?
Start searching for a “workers’ comp lawyer near me.” They’re your most important ally from the moment you get injured to the day you get your benefits. Finding the right one is key to getting the maximum benefits and making it easier.
A workers’ compensation attorney can give you the legal advice for injuries that you need. They’ll help you navigate the complex process of submitting a claim and seeing it through.
That also means helping you decide when to accept a settlement. Don’t accept any offers until you’ve talked each one over with them.
They’ll challenge low offers and help you get the results you deserve. They’ll even appeal denied claims.
Should I stay off work with knee pain?
It depends. Your knee injury might prevent you from working. It might reduce your responsibilities to light duty work or you may be ready to return to work quickly. You have to do what is right for you.
How do I know what not to say to a workers’ comp adjuster?
Remember that workman’s comp adjusters want to pay out as little as possible. They may ask for a record statement or an independent medical exam. Many of these methods are tricks to reduce your benefits.
If you’re unsure of what to say to them, let your workman’s comp attorney step in. Don’t answer personal questions or sign anything without their intervention. Direct them to speak to your workers’ comp attorney.
Workers’ comp knee injury cases are common work injury claims. Maximizing benefits requires prompt reporting. You’ll also need representation.
Pearson Koutcher Law’s workers’ comp attorneys have over 100 years of experience. We’ll get you the maximum benefits. Contact us for a case review today.