If a job-related knee injury is keeping you from being able to run, walk, sit, or stand, you may be entitled to benefits through the workers’ compensation system. Filing a claim gives you the opportunity to request much-needed financial support while you heal. And, if the damage done to your body is something that permanently disables you, you may also qualify for long-term benefits to address this. Contact a reputable knee injury lawyer at Williams & Roche, LLC, for help securing the benefits you deserve under the law. Our South Carolina law firm understands how frustrating it can feel to get hurt in a work accident like a slip and fall, a car crash, or a misstep while picking up boxes. We proudly serve hardworking members of the job force as they seek to reclaim their sense of purpose after an injury upends their lives.
Careers That Commonly Experience On-the-Job Knee Injuries
Because standing, sitting, walking, and maneuvering are such common activities, people in a number of professions are at risk of hurting their knees. That said, those who work in warehouses and manufacturing facilities have a higher chance of damaging their knees at work.
The reason for this is that they are in physically demanding, fast-paced environments, day in and day out.
For example, a technician at BMW may twist their leg awkwardly when bending over to get tools while working on a vehicle. Likewise, a warehouse worker at Amazon may tear their ACL while picking up a heavy box. Each of these injuries may result in the employee having to take days or even weeks off while they have surgery or go to physical therapy.
Causes of Knee Problems at Work
Someone can experience problems with their joints — such as their knees — due to a number of factors. For example, being in an unsteady position while picking up heavy or bulky objects can lead to issues down the road. Additionally, a worker may slip and fall awkwardly, painfully landing on their kneecap in the process.
Another way for someone to run into these challenges is if they pick things up frequently. For instance, someone who delivers for Amazon and has to pick up dozens of packages each day may hurt their knees because of repetitive use.
Common Knee Injuries at Work
One common knee injury at work is a torn ACL, which, as the Mayo Clinic explains, occurs when the ligament connecting the thigh bone and shin bone is torn or sprained. If you injure your ACL, you may have to have extensive surgeries done to fix the torn tissue. You may also have to wear a knee brace for a while or participate in physical therapy exercises to help increase the joint’s strength and mobility.
Other knee injuries that workers may experience include:
- A meniscus tear
- A dislocation
- A fracture
As discussed by the Mayo Clinic, repeated and strenuous activity involving your knees — such as bending over multiple times per day to lift or carry something — can cause tendinitis. This swelling of the tendons around the knee can be painful and limiting while the person heals.
Can Injured Workers File a Claim Against Their Employers?
In most cases, the person cannot sue their employer directly due to their injuries. Instead, they would use the fault-free workers’ compensation system to access financial support during their healing process. Under South Carolina law, most employers are required to carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy that eligible employees can access if they get hurt on the job. If the worker qualifies for benefits, this policy may pay for things like medical care and lost income while the person is injured. Whether someone can receive a workers’ comp knee injury settlement depends on their relationship with the company and the circumstances of their injury.
For example, they must be a regular employee — rather than an independent contractor — and have been doing work-related tasks at the time of the incident. The worker does not have to prove that their employer did something wrong to be eligible for benefits. Instead, they may just need to show that they are an employee and acted within the scope of their job when they were hurt. A knee injury lawyer can help you file your claim.
Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Knee Injuries
If you hurt your knee while on the clock, you may be entitled to a range of benefits. While every case is different, you might be eligible to receive money to make up for missed paychecks while you cannot work. For example, if your condition partially disables you, you may receive 66 and two-thirds percent of your average weekly wages for up to 384 weeks.
Additionally, your employer may cover the cost of the doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other related treatments. That said, South Carolina does give your employer the authority to choose what doctor they will pay for you to see. Because of that, it may be important for you to get permission before seeing a doctor. An exception to this may be if you have to go to the emergency room or urgent care right after the accident.
How Can a Columbia Knee Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Trying to navigate the process of requesting benefits can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
Some workers find it uncomfortable admitting that they are hurt and they cannot do their job because of it. Having to jump through the administrative hoops involved in the claims process may feel especially challenging.
An attorney can take over this responsibility for you, setting your mind at ease with the knowledge that someone with extensive training and experience has your back. Your lawyer can request medical records, fill out important paperwork, and file documents on your behalf to move the claim along. Additionally, they can fight for you if your employer or the insurance company try to deny your benefits request.
Contact Us for Legal Representation for a Workers’ Comp Knee Injury in Columbia, S.C.
When you get into a workplace accident that tears your ACL, dislocates your knee, or causes inflammation of your tendons, you deserve to receive due compensation for your losses. Under South Carolina law, you may be entitled to a settlement by virtue of being a qualifying employee and getting hurt while on the clock. Partnering with a seasoned attorney allows you to hand over the complex legal matters so you can focus on the important work involved in healing.
Contact a knee injury lawyer at Williams & Roche, LLC, today by calling 803.784.0503 to set up an initial consultation. We have over five decades of combined legal experience in the workers’ compensation arena. We welcome the chance to listen to your story and figure out how we can fight to get you what you need to move forward.
