Knee injuries are often thought of as being the bane of professional athletes, ending their careers or greatly impacting their ability to perform in the future. However, one of the most common reasons people apply for workers’ compensation is an injury to the knee. The average settlement for a knee injury will be impacted by the severity of the injury and the time it takes for a hurt employee to recuperate.
If your knee injury only requires light physical therapy and medication, you could expect a settlement ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. If surgery is necessary, that number could increase to $50,000 or $80,000. For those who suffer a permeant disability or amputation, the benefits will increase significantly. Having our competent Fayetteville workers’ compensation lawyers help will increase the chances that you receive the settlement you deserve.
If you suffer a serious or minor knee injury at work, you should report it immediately. Any delay or hesitation could give your employer and their insurance carrier valid grounds to dispute and deny your workers’ compensation claim. Next, you should contact our law offices at (479) 316-0438 to review your legal rights.
What Qualifies as a “Knee Injury” in Arkansas Workers’ Comp?
When someone thinks of a knee injury, they tend to picture an athlete hurt on the field. However, knee injuries are common workplace injuries. Many types of jobs put pressure on a person’s legs and knees. For example, the simple act of lifting a box of files could result in an unexpected knee injury.
To qualify for workers’ comp in Arkansas, your knee injury only had to occur while you were engaged in your job duties. These types of injuries vary in type and severity. Some of the most common injuries our Arkansas workers’ compensation lawyers see are listed below.
Ligament Tears
Anyone who watches sports is familiar with an ACL injury. Any tear or injury to the anterior cruciate ligament compromises the stability of the knee joint. This type of injury is prevalent in workers engaged in hard manual labor.
Fractures
Employees who fall from a height or collide with a piece of heavy equipment could fracture their patella or kneecap. A knee fracture will often take a significant time to heal and limit an employee’s mobility.
Tendon Damage
While tendonitis might be considered a minor injury, it could still be very painful and impact your ability to work. On the other side of the spectrum, a tear of your patella tendon could require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
These injuries and others occur in many ways, including overuse, falls, overexertion, or collisions. Any knee injury in the workplace should be reported immediately, especially as some of these injuries could significantly worsen over time.
Injury Versus Amputation: What’s the Difference in Arkansas Workers Comp?
Workers’ compensation gives injured employees monetary benefits to cover their medical costs and a percentage of their lost income. If you have suffered a knee injury, your benefits will be directly tied to the severity of your injury, the time it takes to recover, and the length of time you are out of work. Fortunately, unless you have suffered a serious tear or fracture, you should be back to work in a relatively short period.
However, if your leg is amputated, it will have a much more significant impact on your life. Not only could you lose your ability to do your job, but you might also no longer be able to perform daily tasks in your personal life. It is not uncommon for someone who loses a limb to qualify for full disability. Our Benton County workers’ compensation lawyers will work to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
How is Loss of Function Scaled in Workers’ Comp?
Loss of function relates to your ability to perform your job. If you have a permanent disability because of your knee injury, your approved workers’ comp doctor will assess your loss of function. This only occurs after you have reached your maximum medical improvement, meaning that your condition is not anticipated to improve.
Your physician will examine you, including a physical examination and any necessary tests to determine your limitations. Your employer’s insurance carrier will also review the results of your tests and, in some cases, order an additional examination.
At this point, a percentage will be established that reflects your diminished working capacity. Because there might be some disagreement, settlement negotiations are likely to ensue. Under these circumstances, you should have our experienced Farmington workers’ comp lawyers advocating for your rights.
Should I Accept a Settlement Instead of Workers’ Comp for a Knee Injury?
A settlement has some advantages. For example, an injured worker who agrees to a settlement will receive a substantial amount of money very quickly. However, when you settle a workers’ comp claim, you release your employer and insurance provider from further liability. If your injury persists or worsens, you are left with little recourse.
Before accepting any settlement offer, you should have reached your maximum medical improvement. Understanding how your injury will impact your future work prospects is vital in determining if an offer is reasonable. You could benefit from our Fort Smith workers’ compensation lawyers who have been negotiating with insurance companies over work-related injuries for decades.
Should I Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney for a Knee Injury in Arkansas?
Workers’ compensation provides a valuable lifeline for someone hurt and unable to return to work. Our Sebastian County workers’ comp lawyers understand the challenges associated with getting the benefits you require. Sometimes a settlement offer might appear to be a financial windfall when all it does is deprive you of the full benefits you deserve. If you have injured your knee or suffered another injury in a workplace accident, call (479) 316-0438 to discuss your next steps.