KNEE INJURIES AT WORK


A fall, a twist, or a turn, can all be causes to knee injuries.  It does'nt take much to injure and damage your knee in the workplace due to an on the job accident.
 

The knee happens to be the largest joint in the body. The knee is a complex hinge type of synovial joint formed by tibia/ fibula, femur and patella. The knee is divided into compartments (medial, lateral and patellofemoral). Every knee has two menisci, two collaterals and two cruciate ligaments.
 

Acute (sudden) injuries are the most common cause of knee problems. Knee injuries at work can be caused by an on the job accident of a direct blow to the knee or from abnormal twisting, bending the knee, or falling on the knee. Pain, bruising, or swelling may be severe and develop within minutes of the injury.
 

Sudden acute on the Ohio job injuries to knee caused by Ohio work accidents can include:

• Sprains, strains, or other injuries to the ligaments and tendons that connect and support the kneecap.
   
• A tear in the meniscus, which is the rubbery cushions of the knee joint.
   
• Ligament tears. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee. You can also suffer from an ACL tear of the knee.
   
• Breaks or fractures of the kneecap, lower portion of the femur, or upper part of the tibia or fibula. Knee fractures are most commonly caused by abnormal force, such as a falling on the knee, a severe twisting motion, severe force that bends the knee, or when the knee forcefully hits an object.
   
• Kneecap dislocation; Chondromalacia of the Knee; and other on the job knee injuries can happen.

Overuse injuries occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Activities such as stair climbing or excessive walking on the job or work site. The stress caused by these work activities place stress on the knee joints and other tissues and can lead to irritation and inflammation.

Overuse injuries include:

• Inflammation of the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate the knee (bursitis).
   
• Inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or small tears in the tendons (tendinosis).
   
• Thickening or folding of the knee ligaments (Plica syndrome).
   
• Pain in the front of the knee from overuse, injury, excess weight, or problems in the kneecap (patellofemoral pain syndrome).
   
• Irritation and inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh (iliotibial band syndrome).
  

As with all things legal in nature, in order to take advantage of all of the Ohio Workers' Compensation benefits available to you, you must take the necessary steps to protect your rights to workers' compensation benefits. The first step includes calling Gruhin & Gruhin and speaking with Mike Gruhin, "The Comp Specialist". Mike is a Board Certified Ohio Workers' Compensation Specialist Attorney. 
 

There are many benefits to which you may be entitled under Ohio Worker's Compensation Law. It's important to discuss these benefits and your right to compensation with an experienced board certifed Ohio workers' compensation specialist attorney. You need a board certified specialist lawyer working for you.  Not a lawyer who is being paid by your employer or some other third party and not a lawyer who just happens to do some workers' comp cases. Be aware, not all lawyers who take workers' compensation claims are Board Certified Specialists. Make sure you ask the attorney you call if he/she is a Board Certified Specialist. The lawyer you choose DOES make a difference!
 

It is essential that you build a proper foundation for your claim. Should you require benefits or compensation over a long period of time do not be afraid to enforce your legal rights and obtain the proper legal help to assist you with your claim.


If you've suffered a work-related injury you should seek legal advice from a Board Certifed Ohio Workers' Compensation Specialist Attorney. Mike Gruhin is Board Certified. Call or contact Gruhin & Gruhin now, there are time limits. Act now!