Knee injuries are among the most common and most debilitating injuries in the workplace.

Workplace knee injuries account for roughly 150,000 of annual workplace injuries nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's more than 13% of all injuries. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry also demonstrates that knee injuries were responsible for 8.2% of all Pennsylvania workplace injuries in 2018, impacting 14,216 workers.

Employees who have suffered a workplace knee injury should consider their eligibility for workers' compensation benefits. When doing so, it is very important to understand the specific types of injuries that qualify for workers' compensation benefits, the process for filing a workers' compensation claim, the amount of compensation to expect based on the severity of the injury, and the role an attorney can play in the claims process.

If you've injured your knee at work, don't wait. You only have 120 days from the date of your injury to report it, and 3 years from that date to file a workers' comp claim. If you'd like to file for workers' compensation, consult one of our attorneys today and we can guide you through each step of your workers' compensation case.

The average cost of a workplace knee-injury worker's compensation claim is $32,622 (in medical expenses and lost wages), according to data from the National Safety Council (NSC). These costs will be the primary focus and tool used in workers' comp lump-sum settlement negotiations.

Below is a table of estimated workers' comp settlement amounts based on the NSC claim cost average for knee injuries.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Knee Injuries

Under the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act, employees who suffer workplace injuries are afforded financial protections in the form of lost wages and payment of medical expenses related to the work injury.

Employees involved in workplace accidents, or other circumstances resulting in knee injuries, are eligible for a wide range of workers' compensation benefits.

•  Replacement of lost wages (weekly installments paid per benefit rate table )
•  Payment of all medical bills resulting from the injury
•  Specific loss benefits (loss of limb/use of limb)
•  Disfigurement benefits if applicable 
•  Subsequent injury benefits

As stipulated by the Connecticut  Workers' Compensation Act guidelines, weekly compensation loss benefits are provided at between 66.6% and 90% of average weekly wage (AWW) and capped at $1,081.00 per week.

Workers' compensation benefits are generally determined by:

•  Severity and classification of the injury
•  Wage loss from the injury
•  Medical expenses

Knee injuries can also be very costly to treat, even with insurance. That is why workers' comp benefits for knee injuries will also provide full payment on medical expenses you incur. This includes treatments for your injury such as knee replacement, physical therapy, and other types of knee surgery necessary for your recovery.

The wage loss and medical benefits that an injured employee will receive are largely determined by the type and severity of the injury they suffered, as well as the time they're unable to return to work.

Can I File for Workers' Compensation Because of a Knee Injury? 

Yes. Employees who experience a workplace knee injury may be eligible for filing workers’ compensation and receiving benefits.

Common workplace knee injuries eligible for workers' compensation include:

• Torn Ligaments
•  Tendonitis
•  Bursitis
•  Strains
•  Contusions
• Knee Arthritis
• Cartiledge Injury
• Tendon Injury
•  Fractures
• Torn meniscus
•  Dislocations

How Common is a Knee Injury at Work? 

Of all workplace injuries, knee injuries account for roughly 1 in 8 on the national level and 1 in 12 in Pennsylvania.

Positively, however, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) data, workplace injuries overall have consistently declined over the last two decades and have decreased year over year for the last six years.

Are Knee Injuries Common in Certain Industries?

Because of their relationship to overexertion and overuse, industries with the highest probability of workplace knee injuries are:

• Construction (Laborers and Freighters)
•  Manufacturing (Stock and Material Movers)
•  Trade and Transportation (Retail and Truck Drivers)
• Health Care (Nursing and Ambulatory Staff)

CT WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYER FOR KNEE INJURY CLAIMS

After a workplace knee injury, it is very important to work with a qualified and experienced workers' compensation attorney to guarantee your workers' compensation eligibility, to ensure your claim is filed correctly and to maximize your compensation benefits.

If you have questions about filing for workers' comp, settlement offers, or anything else pertaining to your claim, the workers' comp lawyers at James f Aspell, P.C.  are here to assist you in all aspects of your knee injury case. To schedule a free consultation,contact us using the firm on the right of call us at 860-523-8783.