In general, workers who suffer a knee injury at work have many questions about their rights, and our office is here to help. To start, we know how hard it can be to get back on your feet after an injury. So, we commit to helping you do just that.
Unfortunately, a knee injury is common in the work environment. In many cases, knee injuries happen when a worker twists or turns their leg quickly. These types of injuries may result from a fall or by an object falling on top of your leg. In addition, a knee injury can also occur from twisting the knee while you have something heavy on it, like a foot or an ankle.
What is Worker’s Compensation?
In general, workers’ compensation is a form of insurance coverage that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who obtain an injury on the job or develop an occupational illness.
Further, it is a form of social insurance that compensates workers for loss of wages due to injury or sickness. While they are unable to work, workers who obtain an injury on the job may receive payment for their lost wages. In addition to that, they may also get medical care and rehabilitation services.
If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness and are unable to return to your job, your employer must offer you workers’ compensation benefits in the state of Georgia.
It is important to know your legal rights when it comes to workers’ compensation. In some states, the law requires employers to offer workers’ comp benefits. So, employers must provide it. In other states, it’s optional. So, the employer may purchase coverage from private insurers. If a worker in the state of Georgia obtains an injury on the job, they are eligible for workers’ comp.
Types of Knee Injuries
A knee injury is the most common type of injury that people suffer at work. Further, a knee injury may result from a number of reasons. Plus, a knee injury can range from a simple sprain to a more serious injury.
To be specific, there are three types of knee injuries:
- Ligament tear: The ligaments are tough bands that connect the bones together. So, when they tear it causes pain and swelling.
- Meniscus tear: The meniscus is a cartilage pad on the knee joint. Its purpose is to help cushion and stabilize your knee when you move. When it tears, it can cause pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Dislocated kneecap: The kneecap is made up of two bones called the patella, which sit in front of the lower leg and the tibia. When the kneecap dislocates, it causes pain, swelling, and inability to move your knee.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
Workers who work in jobs that require them to stand for long periods of time are at a high risk of developing a knee injury. In most cases, the cause of these injuries is due to the weight placed on the knees from standing for long periods of time.
Knee injuries are the most costly and common type of workplace injury. However, workers who are injured on the job can get compensation for their injuries. This compensation can help them pay for medical bills and other expenses related to their injury.
So, what are the most common causes of knee injuries at work? There are many reasons a knee injury could happen on the job. But some risks are more likely to be related to certain actions than others.
For instance, some common causes of knee injuries at work include:
- Repetitive motion injury – Oftentimes, people who perform repetitive motions cause repetitive micro trauma in their knees. Thus, this leads to joint deformity and loss of cartilage.
- Instability of the knee – If the body’s center of balance shifts too far, it can lead to an injury if the knee cannot compensate.
- Rebound injuries – Sometimes, people who perform repetitive motions often use their knees as a springboard. As a result, some of the force transfers to the knee.
- Osteoarthritis – As people age, they are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage in their knees.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in Georgia
The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Commission is a state agency that is responsible for The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. Under the law, workers who are injured on the job are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. In order to make a claim, you must go through an informal investigation process. Then file formal paperwork with the commission.
The first step in this process is when you are notified of the Commission’s investigation. When you are notified of the Commission’s investigation, your employer may require that you participate in an informal inquiry to determine whether or not your claim is valid. While this process may be conducted by phone, in person, or via email, it must be documented. Also, you will receive a notice of the date and time that you will need to participate in the informal inquiry.
Atlanta Lawyer for Knee Injury at Work Settlement
If you obtain a shoulder injury at work, you must notify your employer then seek medical treatment. Also, you should talk to a workers compensation attorney about your case. To ensure you get your needed benefits, you must follow these steps.
Ultimately, the type and severity of your shoulder injury determines your settlement. If you have any trouble with your case, including a denied claim, contact the Law Offices of Laura Lanzisera.