According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, knee injuries account for 15 to 20 percent of lost work time, averaging at around 16 missed days per injured worker. The knee is the largest joint in the body, allowing us to stand, bend, jump, run, and squat. Even a minor knee injury can make the simplest motion difficult, sidelining a person for days or weeks. When a knee injury happens at work, injured workers may benefit from pursuing a Workers’ Compensation claim to recover damages and lost wages.
Work Accidents and Knee Injuries
Slips, trips and falls can result in knee injuries ranging from minor to chronic and debilitating. Cuts and bruises heal quickly and do not usually interfere with work. Heavy lifting and more intense falls can cause damage to the bones, ligaments, or tendons in and around the knee.
Knee damage can be caused by standing for long hours or by repetitive motion that causes excess wear and tear on the knee joint. Chronic knee can develop after years of walking on hard, concrete floors, or repeated bending or squatting. More complex injuries often cause employees to miss work days for rest, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Knee Injuries and Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you experience a work accident impacting one or both knees, you should report the incident immediately. It may be tempting to dismiss the accident and go back to work right away, but it is important to rest your knee to prevent further damage. If possible, photograph and document the details and scene of your accident. This documentation is important should you decide to file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
After you report your accident to a manager or supervisor and seek medical attention, you should contact an experienced Delaware Workers’ Compensation lawyer to assist you with your claim. If you neglect to provide all the necessary documentation, medical records, and witness testimony, you can jeopardize your claim and the benefits you need.
Preventing Workplace Knee Injuries
Employers can take precautions to help workers avoid painful knee injuries, including:
- Configuring workspaces to allow workers to sit instead of kneeling
- Providing knee supports for workers required to bend or squat frequently
- Storing supplies at higher elevations to eliminate excess bending or kneeling
- Training employees on proper knee and stretching exercises
Construction workers, factory workers, and other laborers are especially vulnerable to knee injuries because of the physical nature of their jobs. When a knee injury requires surgery and rehabilitation, an injured worker may need weeks or even months to fully recover and return to work. That loss of income can be financially devastating to a family.
Delaware Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Help Workers Successfully Prove Knee Injury Claims
To protect you and your family after a work accident, Delaware Workers’ Compensation lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC manage the claims process, so you can achieve the best resolution possible. We understand the law and will do everything possible to help you obtain the benefits you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 302-888-1221 or contact us online. With an office conveniently located in Wilmington, Delaware, we serve residents throughout the state.