When it comes to workplace injuries, some people view damaged joints as a minor concern. Compared with fatalities, lost limbs and spinal or head injuries, a knee injury may not seem severe. However, knee injuries can be debilitating. They can be painful. You can lose strength, the ability to stand and lift and your range of motion as well.
If you do physical work, such as construction work or manufacturing labor, you may no longer be able to perform the job you’ve done for years or decades. A knee injury can be so serious, in fact, that it can effectively end your career and change the course of your life.
If you have suffered a knee injury due to repetitive stress, lifting or a traumatic injury while at work, you should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review the circumstances of your injury, as well as the extent of the damage, and determine what your next step should be. Whether that is a civil lawsuit or filing a claim for workers’ compensation, an attorney can help improve your chances of success and a positive outcome to a painful and serious situation.
Knee injuries can be incredibly expensive
When you’re hurt at work, it’s almost a given that there will be some lost wages as you recover. The worse your injury, the longer you will be unable to return to work. If you are the primary wage earner in your household, a knee injury could be financially devastating for your family. In some cases, with enough rest and a strong brace, the injured person may be able to return to work. In others, surgery and then weeks or months of physical therapy may be needed to regain any semblance of strength and range of motion from the damaged knee. Depending on your knee injury, it could be life-changing.
In some cases, the recovery time for your knee injury may be more than what is covered by workers’ compensation. In those situations, an attorney may be your only hope of recovering your ongoing medical expenses. If you suffered a knee injury at work and are no longer able to work while you recover or train for a new career, you deserve financial and medical coverage during that time. An attorney can help you by doing things such as reviewing settlements. You should never sign and agree to a settlement for a work injury without first consulting with a private workers’ compensation attorney.
Your attorney will advocate for you
Your knee injury may very well change your life. It doesn’t need to ruin your finances and stress your family. Working with an attorney is the best way to protect your family and your financial future after a serious workplace injury. Don’t wait until your benefits run out! Enlist legal advocacy as soon as you have suffered a workplace injury.
