What Is the Average Knee Injury Workers’ Comp Settlement?

If you’ve experienced a serious knee injury, you may require time away from work to recover. If the damage is severe, you’re likely facing mounting medical bills and the possibility that you won’t be able to perform your typical responsibilities for the foreseeable future.

According to the National Safety Council, individuals who experience a knee injury take an average of 18 days away from work to recover. People who work in education, health care, manufacturing, and warehousing are the most likely to sustain knee injuries, as their jobs require them to be on their feet for most of the workday.

Of the employees who file claims, the average knee injury workers’ comp settlement is $34,003. The National Safety Council attributes $18,052 of the settlement money to medical costs and the remaining $15,951 to indemnity.

Mild knee injuries won’t receive as much settlement money, while employees whose wounds require surgery or a complete knee replacement may receive much more.

Anytime you’re injured in the workplace, it’s wise to seek legal counsel. Sometimes, injuries don’t appear serious initially but worsen over the subsequent days or weeks.

Make sure that you don’t accept a settlement offer from an insurance agency that isn’t representative of the amount of medical care you’ll need to recover from your wounds completely.

Attorneys at Morgan and Morgan are experienced with workers’ compensation cases, and we can help you obtain the settlement that you deserve. Don’t simply speculate about what is the average knee injury workers’ comp settlement; get legal advice to receive the damages you’re due.

Most knee injuries that occur in the workplace include sprains, strains, and tears. Bruises and contusions are also common, followed by fractures.

There are four main types of knee sprains: ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL.

ACL Sprains

An ACL sprain occurs when someone unexpectedly twists or jumps. This sprain is commonly associated with sporting activities like football or gymnastics. However, it can happen whenever the knee bends contrary to its normal position. Locking your knees while lifting something heavy can lead to an ACL sprain.

People who experience an ACL sprain may hear a loud pop before their knee buckles underneath them.

PCL Sprains

PCL sprains happen when something heavy crashes into the front of the knee. For example, a car collision may result in a PCL sprain if your knee makes contact with the dashboard. A sudden fall where the knee hits the solid ground can also result in a PCL strain.

People who experience a PCL sprain may feel pain in the rear part of their knee or when bending their legs.

LCL and MCL Sprains

LCL and MCL sprains occur when a weighty object hits the inside of the knee. Sometimes, a fall that causes the knee to twist away from the thigh results in an LCL or MCL sprain.

LCL and MCL sprains can be very painful, and people who experience them may feel like their knee wants to twist in the opposite direction when walking or bending their legs.

Fractures

Knee fractures are severe and may require months of treatment and surgery to recover from. A knee fracture may occur during a vehicular accident or from extreme trauma to the knee. A hard fall can easily fracture parts of the knee, including the knee cap and surrounding bones.

Some fractures are immediately noticeable, while others develop over time. For instance, someone who regularly carries heavy objects may have a hairline fracture of the knee that grows. At some point, the hairline fracture will worsen, resulting in a full-blown fracture that requires extensive treatment.

People who sustain a knee injury can usually recognize that something is wrong. Even a mild knee injury results in new pain and inflammation in the area. Other symptoms of a knee injury include:

• Swelling of the knee and surrounding tissues
• Feeling of weakness in the knee or buckling when walking or carrying objects
• Bruises and contusions
• Tenderness in the area
• Hearing a popping sound when walking on the knee
• Muscle stiffness or spasms

Severe knee injuries will result in complete immobilization. Regular activities that were performed easily in the past, like walking, running, or jumping, become impossible to do.

The first step to filing a workers’ compensation claim is to report your injury to your employer. Many people make the mistake of failing to report their injuries. Sometimes, they may assume a little recovery time is all they need to return to their regular responsibilities. Others may be concerned about retaliation from their employers.

However, if you fail to report the injury to your employer, your company’s workers’ compensation insurance agency may deny the claim altogether. Don’t wait for days or weeks to go by. Notify your workplace immediately. Most insurance agencies require you to tell your work within 30 days of an injury to pursue a claim.

You should take pictures of your injury and the site where the accident occurred. Your photographs will prove that the damage resulted from an activity at work and not something that happened during your off-time.

In addition, seek medical treatment immediately. Seeing a doctor gives credence to your claim. Their examination of your knee injury will determine how serious it is and how much treatment is necessary for a full recovery.

Many workers’ compensation plans have a network of participating doctors you must see for a claim. You can still seek treatment from your preferred doctor, but you’ll also need to visit a doctor who is part of the workers’ comp insurance network.

Once you’ve reported the injury and seen a medical professional, seek legal assistance. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, and you don’t want to risk losing your claim because you missed a step in the process.

An attorney will be able to advise you about what is the average knee injury workers’ comp settlement for the type of knee wound you’ve sustained.

Generally, there are four types of monetary damages you can recover through a workers’ compensation claim. Monetary damages include:

• Reimbursement for lost wages, including sick leave you took for your recovery
• Remuneration for medical treatment, including surgery and medical testing
• Rehabilitation expenses, such as physical or occupational therapy
• Disability payments during your recovery period

An attorney familiar with the average knee injury workers’ comp settlement can make sure that your compensation offer aligns with the extent of your injuries and the time you’ll need to recover.

Most states require employees hurt on the job to report their injury within 30 days of the accident. Failure to do so may result in a claim dismissal. The sooner that you disclose your injury to your employer, the better.

Every workers’ compensation claim is different. Some resolve within a few weeks, while others may take months to complete. If you’re injured and unable to work, you want to obtain the money you need to pay your medical bills and other expenses as quickly as possible.

It’s best to start a claim as soon as you realize you won’t be able to work for a period of time.

Your medical provider will determine whether you can continue to work during the claim process. There are typically three categories doctors use to classify injuries: no work, work with restrictions, and capable of returning to full responsibilities.

Knee injuries often require time to recover from, so you’ll likely be unable to work or have your work restricted to only tasks that won’t cause further damage to your knee.

The average knee injury workers’ comp settlement is $34,003. However, people with severe knee injuries may be entitled to much more, while those with mild wounds may receive less.

Your attorney will advise you of your expected settlement amount based on the severity of your injuries and whether you can work or not.

Knee injuries take time to recover from. You may be unable to perform your typical responsibilities for weeks or months. In the worst case, you’ll need extensive rehabilitation and ongoing physical therapy.

What is the average knee injury workers’ comp settlement? At Morgan & Morgan, we know, and we want to ensure that you receive satisfactory restitution for your injuries. As the largest personal injury law firm in the United States, we’ve helped thousands of individuals injured in the workplace, and we can assist you too.

Get started with your workers’ compensation lawsuit by scheduling a free consultation with our attorneys. During the appointment, we’ll review your case and determine your next steps forward.

Time is of the essence in workers’ compensation claims. Don’t risk losing your benefits. Begin your claim process today.