Long Island Knee Injuries Lawyer
A serious knee injury can be devastating for anyone, but particularly for a worker who earns a living doing physical labor. Knee injuries can occur in accidents on the job or over a period of time because of wear and tear to the body’s largest joint.
Serious injuries to the knees can be disabling, even career-ending. People on Long Island who suffer knee injuries during the course of their job duties may qualify for New York workers’ compensation benefits to pay medical expenses and make up for lost wages. A personal injury lawsuit may be an option if a non-employer third party was responsible for the injury, or if the knee injury happened in a fall from a ladder or scaffold.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help you maximize the benefits you obtain for your knee injury. Trial lawyers Richard Jaffe and Stephen Cohen and their team of attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury litigation, including workplace accidents.
Personal injury, handled personally. Contact us today for a free consultation in Long Island.
How do Knee Injuries Happen?
The knee joint consists of the kneecap and other bones, as well as the large ligaments that connect the bones and brace the joint against abnormal movement. Soft cartilage between the upper and lower leg bones (femur and tibia) called the “meniscus” cushions the knee and absorbs shock as the knee flexes.
Job-related knee injuries may be caused by accidents (trauma), wear and tear and overuse. Jobs that require kneeling, squatting, crouching or crawling into confined spaces contribute to wear-and-tear and overuse injuries. Sudden, abnormal twisting or bending, falling on the knee or suffering a blow to the knee can cause a traumatic injury.
The most common traumatic knee injuries are meniscus tears or ligament tears, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL)
A cumulative wear-and-tear injury known as “bursitis” is a painful inflammation of the small fluid-filled pads that cushion bones, tendons and muscles near joints such as the knee.
How do Workplace Knee Injuries Occur?
A traumatic knee injury can occur in the workplace because of accidents such as falls, car accidents or something that falls onto a worker. These are among the most common causes of all job-related injuries. Workers who routinely crouch, kneel, stoop, and/or work in confined spaces are at risk for cumulative knee injuries or injury from overuse.
Employment that typically requires bodily contortions that damage knees includes work in:
- Building inspections.
- Construction.
- Electrical installation and repair.
- Equipment repair.
- HVAC installation and repair.
- Plumbing.
- Rigging.
- Shipyard work.
- Telecommunications installation and repair.
Maximizing Compensation for your Knee Injury
Many employers challenge workers’ compensation claims for knee injuries, claiming they are preexisting conditions or the cause was not work-related. But a workers’ compensation attorney experienced with New York cases can help you make sure you get an appropriate disability rating under workers’ compensation, allowing you to recover all the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP’s lawyers may negotiate a lump-sum settlement if you have a permanent disability because of a workplace knee injury. If you injured your knees in a fall from a ladder or a scaffolding accident, you may be entitled to recover damages under New York Labor Law Section 240, also known as “the Scaffold Law.”
If a third party, such as a subcontractor, property owner or manufacturer, was responsible for your injury, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim to recover damages above and beyond workers’ compensation.
As your workers’ compensation lawyers, we will be ready to work to make sure you receive every dollar available to assist you with medical expenses, lost wages and other losses. We can also help with day-to-day concerns, such as filing paperwork associated with your claim and putting you in touch with medical specialists to properly assess and treat your injury.
Discuss your Workplace Knee Injury with a Long Island Lawyer for Free
We represent clients in any occupation, from building trades, factory workers and truck drivers to health care, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel. Attorney Richard Jaffe is a licensed EMT (emergency medical technician). His medical training is a key advantage in recovering damages for serious workplace injuries, including knee injuries.
Our firm is here to help in every way after a serious workplace injury. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP by phone or online now for a free consultation with our Long Island work accident lawyers.
Sources:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Common Knee Injuries
- Mayo Clinic – Knee pain: Symptom
- WebMD – Knee Pain Health Center
