Knee injuries on the job can slow you down and sometimes keep you out of work for months. If you were hurt while working on Long Island, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation settlement. But how much can you expect?
We break it all down below.
What’s in This Guide
- How Much Money Can You Get From a Knee Injury at Work?
- What Types of Workplace Accidents Can Cause Knee Injuries?
- Do All Knee Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp?
- What Is a Schedule Loss of Use Award for a Knee Injury?
- When Do Insurance Companies Offer a Workers’ Comp Settlement?
- Should I Accept the First Workers’ Comp Offer After a Knee Injury?
- What Happens if I Don’t Settle My Knee Injury Workers’ Comp Case?
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a Knee Injury at Work?
- Resources and Legal Help From Chaikin Trial Group
For a free legal consultation call 212-977-2020
How Much Money Can You Get From a Knee Injury at Work?
According to data from the National Safety Council, the average workers’ comp settlement for a knee injury is $35,332. This includes approximately $17,323 for lost wages (indemnity benefits) and $18,009 for medical expenses.
However, that’s just an average. Your actual settlement may be much higher or lower depending on:
- The severity of your injury
- Whether surgery or physical therapy is required
- How long you’re out of work
- Whether you suffer permanent damage or disability
For example, serious injuries like fractures or ligament tears can lead to settlements of $60,000+. An injury requiring a knee replacement or resulting in long-term disability could exceed $100,000.
What Types of Workplace Accidents Can Cause Knee Injuries?
You don’t have to be doing heavy physical labor to suffer a serious knee injury. Common on-the-job incidents that can damage the knee are usually on a construction site, but not always. They can include:
- Slipping on wet floors or icy sidewalks
- Falling from a ladder or scaffold
- Getting hit by falling objects, like a ceiling
- Tripping over loose wires, debris, or uneven surfaces
- Sudden elevator drops or misalignments causing falls
- Collisions with forklifts, cranes, carts, or machinery
- Sudden twisting while lifting or moving heavy materials
- Repetitive kneeling or squatting without protective gear
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Do All Knee Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp?
Yes, if the injury happened on the job and prevents you from working, it likely qualifies. This includes both one-time accidents and repetitive stress injuries.
Common covered injuries include:
- Meniscus or ACL tears
- Ligament damage (PCL, MCL)
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Cartilage damage
- Patella dislocations
- Knee sprains or fractures
Workers’ comp will also cover related treatment like surgery, physical therapy, and even knee replacements, if medically necessary.
Learn more about covered injuries on the NYS Workers’ Comp Board.
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What Is a Schedule Loss of Use Award for a Knee Injury?
In New York, if your knee injury results in a permanent functional loss, you may qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award.
An SLU is a one-time lump sum payment based on:
- Which body part was injured
- The percentage of permanent loss of function
- Your average weekly wage
For knee injuries (considered part of the leg), the maximum award is 288 weeks of work injury compensation. If a doctor determines you’ve lost 25% of use in your leg, you could receive 25% of that maximum: 72 weeks of pay at two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
Example:
- $900 average weekly wage
- 25% SLU = 72 weeks
- $600 weekly benefit (2/3 of $900)
- Total: $43,200 SLU award
Read more on SLU awards from the NY Workers’ Comp Board.
When Do Insurance Companies Offer a Workers’ Comp Settlement?
Insurers usually offer a lump sum settlement:
- Right after your benefits start, to avoid long-term payouts
- After you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
If your workers’ comp injury is expected to cause long-term problems, insurers may prefer to settle instead of paying benefits indefinitely.
Should I Accept the First Workers’ Comp Offer After a Knee Injury?
Not always. First offers are often low. You may be entitled to far more, especially if you need surgery or can’t return to work.
Before accepting:
- Get a second opinion on your injury
- Learn your future medical needs
- Talk to a workers’ comp attorney
What Happens if I Don’t Settle My Knee Injury Workers’ Comp Case?
You’ll continue to receive weekly wage payments and medical coverage under workers’ comp. In New York, wage benefits typically cover 66.67% of your average weekly wage until you return to work or reach MMI.
If you are permanently disabled, you may receive long-term payments or an SLU award.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Knee Injury at Work?
You’re not required to have one, but it can make a huge difference. A lawyer can:
- Accurately estimate your total injury at work claim value
- Handle negotiations with insurance
- Help you fight for full SLU awards or permanent disability benefits
At Chaikin Trial Group, we know how the system works and how to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call Chaikin Trial Group for Help
If your knee was injured at work on Long Island, call us before signing anything. We help clients across Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Westchester County.
We offer free consultations, speak Spanish, Hebrew, and Turkish, and have a 4.9-star rating on Google.
Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The content herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. The information is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the topic.
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