Knees are important parts of our bodies that help us walk, run, and move around. But sometimes, accidents can happen, especially at work. If you hurt your knee while working in Columbia Missouri, you might be able to get help through workers’ compensation. A knee injury is based on 160 weeks of your wages.
The value of your case is dependent on several questions. Namely what was your injury? What was your treatment? Did you have a surgery? If you had a surgery, then you probably should hire a Columbia Missouri Work comp lawyer.
What was the result of treatment? Did a doctor say you need future medical care? What was your wage rate at the time of the injury?
What is Missouri Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is like a safety net for workers. If you get hurt on the job, it’s there to help you. It can cover medical bills, time off work, and even rehabilitation if you need it. This is really important because knee injuries can sometimes take a while to heal. Fault is not an issue in Missouri work comp generally however the injured worker is not entitled to pain in suffering for their injury
Different Types of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries at work can happen in many ways. Maybe you slipped and fell, twisted your knee, or something heavy fell on it. Common knee injuries include sprains, strains, tears, and even fractures. These injuries can be painful and make it hard to do your job.
For example torn MCL, which stands for “Medial Collateral Ligament,” is an injury that affects one of the major ligaments in the knee. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones together and provide stability to joints. The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint, especially against forces that might push the knee sideways.
When the MCL is torn, it means that the ligament has been stretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured. This type of injury often occurs due to sudden, forceful movements that impact the knee, such as a direct blow to the outer side of the knee or a twisting motion while the foot is planted on the ground. Athletes in sports like football, soccer, and skiing are at a higher risk for MCL tears due to the nature of their activities.
The severity of a torn MCL can vary, ranging from mild to severe:
1. Grade 1 (Mild): In a mild tear, the ligament is slightly stretched but not completely torn. This might cause some pain and discomfort, but the knee joint is still relatively stable.
2. Grade 2 (Moderate): A moderate tear involves a partial tear of the ligament. This can lead to more pain, swelling, and some instability in the knee joint.
3. Grade 3 (Severe): A severe tear means the ligament is completely ruptured. This results in significant pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. The joint may feel wobbly or give way when weight is put on it.
Treatment for a torn MCL depends on the severity of the injury:
– Conservative Treatment: Mild to moderate tears might be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the R.I.C.E. method), along with physical therapy to help regain strength and stability in the knee.
– Bracing: Sometimes, a brace or knee immobilizer might be recommended to support the knee and prevent it from moving in ways that could worsen the tear.
– Surgery: Severe MCL tears that are associated with other knee injuries, such as a torn ACL, may require surgical intervention. Surgery might involve repairing the torn ligament with stitches or using other techniques. If you had surgery for your Missouri work comp knee injury you need a lawyer to maximize your recovery.
Recovery time can vary based on the severity of the tear and the chosen treatment approach. Generally, less severe tears can heal within a few weeks to a couple of months with proper care. More serious tears that require surgery might need a longer recovery period.
It’s important to consult a medical professional if you suspect you have a torn MCL or any other knee injury. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of action to help you recover and regain full function of your knee joint.
Getting Help for Knee Injuries At Work
If you hurt your knee at work, the first thing to do is tell your supervisor or boss. They need to know what happened so they can help you get the right treatment. In Missouri workers compensation the employer gets to choose your doctor. Do not treat on your own and then report it. You need to see the doctor your employer tells you to, and it’s important to follow their advice. Workers’ compensation can cover the medical costs, which can be a relief.
Reporting The Injury
In Missouri, it’s important to report your knee injury within 30 days. This means telling your employer about it. You should do this in writing (an email or text can work- just keep a copy). If you wait too long, it might be harder to get the help you need. It’s best to report it as soon as possible. Do not treat on your own and then report it.
Benefits of Workers’ Compensation
When you’re injured, it’s tough to work. Workers’ compensation can provide you with temporary benefits to cover the time you can’t work because of your knee injury. These benefits are really helpful in making sure you can pay your bills while you recover.
Knee injuries can be painful and affect your ability to work. Luckily, Missouri Workers’ Compensation is there to help. Remember, it’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. This way, you can start the process of getting the medical help and benefits you need. Your knee’s health matters, and workers’ compensation is designed to support you during your recovery journey
You can get the compensation you deserve, and you don’t have to do it alone. The Krebs Law Firm handles workers’ comp cases on a daily basis in Missouri and it costs nothing to reach out to us for a free consultation. We only get paid if you get paid. Contact our office today.
Don’t try taking on the insurance companies alone. Call The Krebs Law Firm for a free consultation. You need an experienced workers compensation attorney at your side to make sure you get what you deserve for your workplace injury. Call The Krebs Law Firm locally at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
There is no upfront cost to hiring a Columbia Missouri Work Comp lawyer for your claim. If have a potential Missouri work comp case and want to make sure you maximize your Missouri Workers Compensation benefits for your workplace injury, then you should speak to a Missouri Workers Compensation attorney sooner rather than later.
Utilize our years of expertise to get the compensation you deserve and let us help each step of the way.