Greensboro Workplace Knee Injuries

Whether an acute injury from an accident or the result of repetitive stress, work-related knee injuries can lead to disability and chronic pain. When you are in pain and unable to work while the medical expenses pile up, you don’t need additional stress. That’s why you need an experienced Greensboro workplace knee injury attorney to handle the legal process for you. 

Ward Black Law has helped injured people in Greensboro for over 30 years. We understand how to navigate North Carolina workers’ compensation laws to pursue the benefits you’re entitled to and explore potential third-party lawsuits for workplace knee injuries. Our award-winning lawyers can handle the details so you can focus on feeling better. 

Contact Ward Black Law today for a free case review and information about your legal options. 

Understanding Knee Anatomy and Common Knee Injuries 

The knee is a complex joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Healthy, functioning knees rely on several vital structures working together, including: 

• Tendons — Tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones
• Articular cartilage — Smooth, rubbery material that allows bones to glide smoothly against each other, reducing friction and absorbing shock
• Meniscus — Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers, distributing weight and reducing friction  
• Patella (kneecap) — A small, flat, triangular bone in front of the knee joint that protects the knee
• Ligaments — Strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that connect bones to bones, providing knee stability, and include:
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) 

What Types of Knee Injuries Can Happen at Work? 

Knee injuries in the workplace can be repetitive stress injuries (overuse injuries) or one-time injuries. These are the most common types of knee injury in the workplace: 

Repetitive Stress Knee Injuries 

• Tendonitis — Tendonitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons due to overuse or repetitive motion. Workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as constant kneeling or climbing, often develop tendonitis. Symptoms of this painful condition include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected tendon.
• Bursitis — Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee. Workers who frequently kneel or put pressure on their knees are more prone to develop bursitis. Bursitis causes pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee.
• Osteoarthritis — Often affecting older or long-term workers, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear on the knee joint over time. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, which can severely impact an individual’s ability to perform physical tasks.

One-Time Knee Injuries 

• Slip and fall — Fall accidents can cause a knee fracture, dislocation, ligament tear, and other knee damage. Workers in environments with slippery surfaces, frequent debris in walkways, or uneven flooring are particularly at risk.
• Struck by heavy machinery — Severe contusions or fractures occur when a worker accidentally collides with heavy machinery. This type of injury is common in industries like construction and manufacturing, where workers commonly use heavy machinery and equipment.
• Twisting injuries — Sudden twisting motions can lead to torn ligaments, especially the ACL. Workers in dynamic environments, such as emergency responders or warehouse employees, are at high risk for these injuries. Twisting injuries often require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.
• Trip over — Tripping over objects or uneven surfaces can cause direct trauma or ligament tears. Workers in cluttered or poorly maintained workspaces are prone to these accidents.

Jobs with High Knee Injury Rates in Greensboro

While severe knee injuries can occur in virtually any line of work, these industries and professions typically have the highest number of workplace knee injury cases: 

How Do Knee Injuries Occur at Work? 

Knee injuries can occur in various ways depending on the job and work environment. Whether from repetitive motions, negligence, or human error, many knee injuries stem from: 

Workers’ Compensation Claims for Knee Injuries in Greensboro, NC 

Under state law, all employers with three or more workers must provide workers’ compensation coverage, with a few exceptions. Here is a brief overview of what workers’ compensation benefits cover: 

• Medical treatment — Workers’ compensation pays for all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to the knee injury. That includes medical bills for emergency room visits, knee surgeries, steroid injections, doctor consultations, physical therapy, medications, and any specialized treatments required for recovery.
• Temporary total disability benefits — Workers’ compensation compensates for lost wages due to the injury, providing weekly payments equal to two-thirds of the employee’s pre-injury average weekly wage.
• Permanent partial disability benefits — If the injury results in a permanent disability, workers’ comp provides benefits based on the severity of the impairment. These benefits aim to compensate for the lasting impact on the worker’s ability to perform their job and any reduction in earning capacity.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is a complex process, and some employers or their insurance carriers don’t make it easy. You deserve a knowledgeable legal advocate who can work to avoid having your claim denied or underpaid.  

How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Assist with Your Knee Injury Claim 

Ward Black Law helps injured workers seek the benefits they need to move forward after a knee injury at work. Our dedicated Greensboro workers’ compensation attorneys can help you in several ways: 

• We review your case to determine the best course of action, including workers’ compensation claims and the potential for a third-party claim if someone other than your employer or co-workers caused the accident.
• We work with medical professionals to gather and present evidence to support your claim.
• We protect and defend your rights as a Greensboro injured worker.
• We negotiate with insurance companies to seek the maximum benefits you deserve.
• We can also appeal a denied decision and represent you in Industrial Commission hearings.

For three decades, our focus has been serving injured people so they can secure the financial support necessary to recover. If you suffered a work-related knee injury, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. 

Contact an experienced Greensboro workplace knee injury attorney at the award-winning firm of Ward Black Law for a free case review.