Adam Baron, a top Ft. Lauderdale work injury attorney, explains Florida’s anti-retaliation law and what to do if you’re punished for filing a claim.
Your knees take a tremendous amount of stress at work. Lifting, climbing, kneeling, squatting, standing, and walking can all put strain on the joints.
A sudden fall or twisting injury can cause serious damage, but knee problems can also develop gradually from repetitive work.
If you injured your knee while working in Florida, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If your work injury claim was denied or you’ve been facing delays with medical treatment or the work comp checks you rely on after an injury, you may also want to contact a local workers’ compensation attorney like Adam Baron.
What Should You Do After a Knee Injury at Work Here in Florida?
Report your injury to your employer promptly. Florida generally requires employees to report workplace injuries within 30 days, although reporting an injury immediately is the safest approach.
Seek medical attention and explain exactly how the accident occurred.
If possible, document the accident and identify witnesses. Keep copies of your medical records, work restrictions, and correspondence with your employer or insurance company.
Do not assume that a knee injury is minor simply because you can continue working initially. Some serious injuries become more apparent over time.
How Much Is a Florida Workers’ Compensation Knee Injury Worth?
There is no standard settlement amount for a knee injury. Minor strains and sprains settlements may be upwards of $10,000. A more severe injury, like a total knee replacement may be worth more than $400,000.
The potential value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical treatment, whether surgery is necessary, time away from work, your ability to return to your previous job, and whether you have permanent impairment.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. recently published a detailed discussion of the factors that can affect the value of a Florida workers’ compensation knee injury settlement, including medical treatment, lost wages, future care, and permanent impairment.
A settlement should not be evaluated solely by comparing it with an average number found online. Every injury and every worker’s circumstances are different.
When Should You Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer After a Knee Injury?
Consider speaking with an attorney if:
- Your knee injury claim was denied
- The insurer says your injury is pre-existing
- You need surgery
- Your benefits have been stopped
- You cannot return to your regular job
- You have permanent restrictions
- The insurance company has offered a settlement
- You are unsure whether you are receiving all of the benefits available to you
At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience representing injured workers throughout Florida.
What Work-Related Knee Injuries are Most Common in Florida?
Some of the most common workplace knee injuries include:
- Torn meniscus
- ACL tears
- PCL tears
- MCL and LCL injuries
- Knee fractures
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Tendon injuries
- Bursitis
- Arthritis and other conditions aggravated by work
A knee injury can result from a single accident, such as a fall or twisting motion, or develop after years of physically demanding work.
How Do Knee Injuries Happen at Work?
Knee injuries can happen in virtually every industry.
Common causes include:
- Falling from a ladder
- Slipping on a wet surface
- Twisting while carrying a heavy object
- Kneeling for extended periods
- Squatting repeatedly
- Lifting heavy materials
- Climbing stairs or ladders
- Being struck by equipment
- Working on uneven surfaces
Construction workers, warehouse employees, delivery workers, healthcare workers, restaurant employees, maintenance workers, and others may face significant stress on their knees during a normal workday.
Can a Work Injury Aggravate an Existing Knee Problem?
Yes, this can be an important issue in a Florida workers’ compensation claim.
Some workers already have arthritis, an old knee injury, or another condition before they are injured at work.
The insurance company may argue that the worker’s current symptoms are simply the result of the pre-existing condition.
But a workplace accident can potentially aggravate or contribute to an existing condition. The medical evidence is often critical in determining whether the work injury is responsible for the need for treatment.
Your doctor may need to explain what changed after the workplace accident and whether the work event contributed to your current condition.
What Medical Treatment May Be Available After An Injury?
Depending on the injury, workers’ compensation may provide medically necessary treatment related to the workplace injury.
Treatment may include:
- X-rays and MRI scans
- Orthopedic evaluation
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Medication
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Knee replacement
- Rehabilitation
The seriousness of the injury can also affect how long you are unable to work and whether you are left with permanent limitations.
What If You Cannot Return to Your Regular Job After a Knee Injury?
A serious knee injury can make it impossible to perform physically demanding work.
For example, a construction worker may be unable to climb ladders, kneel, lift materials, or remain on their feet for extended periods.
A warehouse worker may be unable to squat, carry heavy objects, or walk long distances.
If your doctor places you on work restrictions, those restrictions can become an important part of your workers’ compensation claim.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for wage-loss benefits while you recover.
What If Your Knee Injury From Working Requires Surgery?
Surgery can significantly change the course of a workers’ compensation claim.
An injured worker may face months of rehabilitation, time away from work, and uncertainty about whether they will be able to return to the same job.
If surgery is recommended, it is important to understand what medical treatment is being proposed and whether the workers’ compensation insurance carrier is authorizing the necessary care.
The long-term consequences also matter.
A knee injury requiring surgery may result in permanent restrictions, an impairment rating, or the need for future medical treatment.
Injured Your Knee at Work in Florida?
A knee injury can affect your ability to work today and your ability to earn a living in the future.
If you injured your knee at work in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, or anywhere else in Florida, the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. can review your situation and explain your options.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.