A work-related knee injury in Kentucky is a devastating blow, no matter what your job is or how the injury happened. Because no two knee injuries are the same and each injury affects a worker differently, the resulting payout for a successful work injury claim can vary dramatically. Unfortunately, many Kentucky workers settle for less compensation than they deserve for knee injuries at work because they don’t have legal help.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our Kentucky work injury lawyers understand the catastrophic toll of knee injuries and are ready to work tirelessly to maximize your compensation. We’ve recovered over $400 million for our past clients and will explore all your legal options, including workers’ compensation benefits and any potential third-party personal injury claims. We’re genuine, committed attorneys who will work closely with you throughout your case. We have the Kentucky Courage to fight for people hurt at work.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with our Kentucky workplace knee injury attorneys.
Do All Knee Injuries Qualify for Compensation?
In Kentucky, workers’ compensation covers knee injuries that occur at your job or happen while you’re performing work-related duties. For example, you would likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you slipped on a wet floor at your job and injured your knee. Workers’ comp benefits would also likely apply if you suffered an injury in a car accident while making a work-related delivery or on a sales trip.
However, workers’ compensation typically does not cover injuries sustained during your commute or while you are not performing work-related tasks. For instance, you likely could not claim workers’ comp benefits if you were injured in a car accident while on a lunch break or while running a personal errand.
Workers’ compensation may not be your only option for recovering money for a workplace knee injury, though. You might also have a personal injury claim. For example, if you slipped and fell on a wet walkway at work, you might have a case against a negligent property owner. If your knee injury resulted from a work-related car crash, you could have a personal injury claim against the driver at fault.
It is vital to work with our knee injury attorneys who can assess your situation from all angles to maximize your potential compensation.
How Much Is the Average Knee Injury Settlement?
Knee injury settlement amounts in Kentucky vary significantly depending on the injury’s severity, its long-term effects, and other factors specific to your case. As a result, the average settlement for knee injuries at work is not an especially meaningful number to pursue. The better approach is to consider the two primary sources of compensation for a work-related knee injury: workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury claims.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Knee Injuries
In Kentucky, you do not need to prove that someone else caused a knee injury at work to claim workers’ comp benefits. You could qualify for compensation even if you did something wrong. Eligible employees, who include most full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers who are not contractors, qualify for benefits from their first day of employment.
A workers’ compensation knee injury settlement could include:
- Full coverage of all medical treatments related to your injury, including the cost of doctor’s visits, surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, and prescription drugs
- Partial wage-replacement benefits, up to certain limits under state law
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits, depending on the duration of your injury
- Vocational rehabilitation services to help you find a new career if your injury prevents you from returning to your old job
You should report a work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible to preserve your right to benefits. You must also submit your claim for benefits within two years of the injury.
Personal Injury Compensation for Knee Injuries
Third-party personal injury claims for work-related knee injuries work differently from workers’ compensation claims. You usually cannot sue your employer for a knee injury at work, and you must prove that someone else caused your injury. For example, if you slipped on a wet surface and injured your knee, you would have to prove that the property owner or someone else’s negligence caused the fall.
The good news is that you may be able to seek more compensation through a personal injury claim than the workers’ compensation system provides, assuming you can prove fault. A personal injury claim for a knee injury at work could include compensation for:
- Medical bills and related future medical expenses
- The full amount of your lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Remember that under Kentucky law, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within one year of an accident, or two years for motor vehicle accidents, or you lose your right to compensation. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible to guard your legal rights.
What Factors Impact Compensation for Knee Injuries at Work?
Some elements of your case that can affect your final settlement amount in a serious knee injury case include:
- Severity of the injury – More severe knee injuries, such as knee fractures, ligament tears, or injuries requiring knee surgery, typically generate higher medical expenses than mild sprains or strains.
- Type of medical treatment required – Compensation for a knee injury often increases if it requires extensive medical treatment like surgery, total knee replacement, physical therapy, injections, or long-term care.
- Permanent impairment – If the injury causes lasting limitations due to knee pain, it can significantly increase your claim’s value.
- Time away from work – The amount of time you cannot work due to your injury affects your wage-loss benefits and overall compensation.
- Pre-existing conditions – If you had a previous knee problem, it may reduce your compensation, though you can still recover benefits for how the injury worsened the underlying condition.
- Employer or insurer disputes – Disputes with your employer or their insurance company often affect the timing and amount of your settlement.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation for a Workplace Knee Injury
The Kentucky work injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer know how to fight for full compensation after a work-related knee injury. Our team will handle every part of your case, from gathering medical evidence and filing your workers’ comp claim to negotiating with the insurance company and appealing any denied claims or undervalued benefits if necessary.
We are prepared to stand up for you and make sure your employer upholds your rights and that you meet all the required deadlines for your knee injury claim. We can also explore a potential third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer contributed to your knee injury. You can count on us to stand by your side at every stage of your case.
Get Help from Our Kentucky Workplace Injury Attorneys Now
Don’t settle for low compensation for a knee injury at work because you did not seek legal support. Call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm.
