A meniscus tear at work is not just a physical setback. It’s an emotional and financial challenge. After such an injury, questions might flood your mind: How will I pay my bills? What about the medical expenses like physical therapy? Is there any financial support available to me?
Fortunately, the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system offers injured workers a financial lifeline after they sustain knee injuries on the job. The Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorneys at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. have more than 20 years of experience with these cases, and we can help you seek the benefits you qualify for. Call us today or reach out online for a free case review.
What Is a Torn Meniscus?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee. Each knee has two menisci — one on the inner side and one on the outer side. These cartilage discs act as shock absorbers between your thigh bone and shin bone. They cushion the joint and provide stability, ensuring the bones move smoothly against each other without friction.
A torn meniscus can occur when the knee experiences a sudden, sharp twisting or turning force, especially when bearing weight. This force can cause a rip in the cartilage, leading to symptoms like knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes, a limited range of motion in the knee. They are among the most common knee injuries.
What Are the Common Types of Meniscus Tears?
Doctors recognize six main types of meniscus tears, each with its distinct elements. Those six types include:
- Radial Tear: This is the most common type of meniscus tear and occurs in the part of the knee that doesn’t receive blood, preventing natural healing.
- Horizontal Tear: These tears usually occur near the knee’s outer edge and can heal better than those in more central locations.
- Incomplete Tear: Although this type of meniscus tear often appears normal during an initial inspection, it indicates that the meniscus tissue is beginning to degenerate.
- Complex Tear: This type of knee injury has multiple tear patterns, often combining features of radial and horizontal tears.
- Flap Tear: Patients with this tear often report that their knee “catches,” which is due to the torn meniscus flap.
- Bucket Handle Tear: This is like a horizontal tear but more extensive, and this tear can inhibit the knee’s normal movement, causing it to become stuck.
Causes of Meniscal Tears
While meniscus tears do not occur solely at work, physical activity and other workplace factors make these injuries more likely to occur on the job. Some common causes of torn meniscus injuries include:
- Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects improperly or without adequate support can exert excess strain on the knee, leading to a tear.
- Sudden Twisting or Turning: Movements that involve sudden changes in direction, especially while the foot is planted and the knee is bent, can stress the meniscus and cause meniscal tears.
- Falls: Landing hard on a knee after slipping or falling at work can directly damage the meniscus.
- Prolonged Kneeling or Squatting: Jobs that require extended periods of kneeling or squatting can place continuous pressure on the knee, contributing to wear and tear over time.
- Repetitive Stress: Constant, repeated activities or motions that strain the knee can lead to gradual wear and, eventually, a meniscal tear.
- Collisions: Accidental collisions with machinery, equipment, or even other colleagues can lead to direct trauma to the knee.
Signs and Symptoms of Torn Meniscus
Because it can take hours or days for a torn meniscus injury to manifest fully, it’s crucial to watch for any signs or symptoms that may indicate damage to your knee.
Common symptoms of meniscal tears include:
- Feeling your knee gives way when you try to use it or put weight on it
- Difficulty fully straightening your knee
- Feeling like your knee is locked in place when you try to use it
- Pain in the knee, especially when twisting or rotating your leg
- A popping sensation in the knee
- Swelling or stiffness in the knee
Can I Receive Workers’ Comp for a Torn Meniscus?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), the state workers’ compensation system covers most workers. Even if the state system does not cover you, federal law or another system likely does. For example, railroad workers have a separate system for recovering compensation for work-related injuries.
The bottom line is that if your injury is related to your job, you can likely receive a torn meniscus workers’ comp settlement. That said, there are some key things to know regarding workers’ comp meniscus tear settlements.
To recover benefits starting from your injury date, you must notify your employer about the injury within 21 days. The final deadline to apply for benefits is 120 days from your injury date.
If your injury causes you to miss work, you may qualify for wage-replacement benefits. The maximum amount of these benefits is two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to an amount set by state law.
You have the right to appeal a denied workers’ comp claim. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney can tell you more about the appeals process.
What Is the Average Settlement Value of a Torn Meniscus Under Workers’ Comp?
Every injured knee is different, which makes it difficult to determine the average workers’ comp settlement for a torn meniscus.
Some factors that can affect the value of your settlement include:
- Severity of the Tear: A more extensive or complex tear might result in a higher settlement due to increased medical costs and recovery time.
- Medical Expenses: The total cost of surgeries, therapies, medications, and other treatments can significantly affect the settlement amount.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed workdays, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability can increase the settlement’s value.
- Future Medical Needs: If you need ongoing treatment, therapy, or future surgeries, this can increase the settlement amount.
- Job Requirements: The nature of your work — if it involves heavy lifting or prolonged standing that you can no longer tolerate, for example — can influence the settlement value.
- Legal Representation: Having skilled legal counsel often results in a more favorable settlement outcome.
Call Our PA Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
A torn meniscus or other knee injury can wreak havoc on your life and career. Our workers’ compensation attorneys for torn meniscus have helped our clients recover more than $200 million for injured workers, and we’re prepared to protect your rights under Pennsylvania law. Call Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
