Dislocated Knee: Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Tampa?

The Cleveland Clinic states that dislocated knees are fairly common in the United States. This type of dislocation is associated with severe pain, swelling, and misshapen knees. If you dislocated your knee at work, you might wonder whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim. This type of compensation allows you to take time off work, pay your medical bills, and recover as best as possible. Could a workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa help in this situation?

How Does a Workplace Accident Cause a Dislocated Knee?

According to the Mayo Clinic, knee dislocations can either be “chronic” or “acute.” An acute kneecap dislocation occurs after a single, traumatic event at work. Sometimes, knees can dislocate during a slip and fall. For example, you might put your foot on uneven or slippery ground before your leg twists violently. Even if you do not actually fall, your attempts to regain your footing could cause you to dislocate your knee.

With your standing foot firmly planted, you might suffer a sudden impact to the leg or knee area that causes you to dislocate your knee. This impact might come from a piece of machinery, a vehicle, or even another worker. A “caught-between” injury can also cause you to dislocate your knee. For example, a worker might become caught in a piece of machinery or equipment that violently twists the knee out of place.

Kneecap dislocations may also be “chronic.” These types of injuries occur repeatedly over an extended period of time. Instead of being caused by a single, traumatic event, a chronic kneecap dislocation is caused by gradual “wear-and-tear” or deterioration within the knee joint. This issue could be more common for older workers. However, younger workers may be more prone to chronic kneecap dislocations, especially if they have a pre-existing sports injury. Chronic knee dislocations are rarer than acute dislocations.

What If My Kneecap Injury Claim Was Denied by Workers’ Comp?

You should be able to file a valid workers’ comp claim after a kneecap injury at work. However, there is always the possibility of a denied claim. Insurers may attempt to argue that your injury was pre-existing or that it was not work-related. An insurer might also deny your claim because you are an independent contractor rather than an “employee.”

Finally, insurers may attempt to deny these claims if you were intoxicated or engaging in horseplay at the time of the accident. Your workers’ comp lawyer in Tampa can push back against these strategies, ensuring you receive a fair amount for your medical bills and lost income.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you’re recovering from a dislocated knee. As an employee in Florida, you should be able to file a claim and cover your medical bills. Your claim should also cover most of your lost income while you heal. If you need more information or you’re having any issues with your claim, contact The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources:

 my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17873-dislocation

mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/whats-going-on-with-my-kneecap