The human knee is a complex and vital joint involving bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If you suffer a knee injury at work, you deserve to know your rights under Oklahoma law for a payout through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Working with an Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the benefits that apply to your knee injury claim and how much your payout might be.
At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we know how important your workers’ comp benefits are for your financial, physical, and emotional recovery. Learn how our experienced workers’ comp attorneys can protect your rights and seek maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Knee Injuries
Oklahoma requires most employers to provide workers’ comp insurance. These benefits provide a critical safety net and typically cover employees with work-related knee injuries for:
- Medical treatment and care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, specialists, hospitalization, medications, and medical equipment (wheelchair, scooter, crutches, or walker)
- Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and vocational therapy if the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job
- Transportation or mileage to and from your doctor’s office, rehab facility, or pharmacy
- Compensation for lost wages (typically 70 percent of your average weekly paycheck)
Common Workplace Knee Injuries Eligible for Workers’ Compensation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 100,000 work-related knee injuries each year. Some workers have jobs that increase their risk for a knee injury, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
All workers’ comp knee injury claims are unique, but here is a list of the most common knee injuries that workers’ comp benefits usually cover:
- Meniscus tears or damage
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Bursitis or tendonitis
- Patella injuries, like a dislocated or fractured kneecap
- Collateral ligament sprains
- Strains
- Twists
- Contusions
Average Compensation Payouts for Knee Injury Cases
The average knee injury settlement amount ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. According to the National Safety Council, the average payout for a knee injury is $35,532. However, several factors affect compensation payouts for a knee injury case:
- Type of Injury — The type of knee injury significantly influences payout costs. For example, a sprain incurs lower medical expenses than a more serious knee injury like a dislocated kneecap.
- Severity of Injury — Some injuries require knee surgery and extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy sessions and ongoing medical monitoring.
- Type and Extent of Disability — Injuries with a substantial loss of joint function or chronic pain can result in permanent disability. Less severe knee injuries might mean temporary limitations or disability until recovery.
Contact our Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Help
A work-related knee injury can lead to higher workers’ compensation claims. Working with an experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the legal and medical claim process for compensation. Since 1984, our workers’ comp lawyers have successfully resolved countless claims. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we focus on personal injury, workers’ comp, and Social Security disability cases. Learn more about your workplace knee injury with a free consultation. Contact our firm today.
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