Knee injuries are among the most common job-related medical issues, affecting employees across various industries and greatly impacting their ability to work and perform daily activities. Whether you've suffered a torn ligament from a slip and fall or developed chronic knee pain due to repetitive duties, you may be entitled to benefits.
At Rechtman & Spevak, our experienced Atlanta workers' compensation lawyer knows the importance of taking immediate action to protect your health and your right to compensation if you suffer a knee injury at work. To build a winning case, here are the steps we recommend.
#1: Report Your Knee Injury to Your Employer
In Georgia, you must report your injury within 30 days of the incident. We advise:
- Notifying your supervisor or manager in writing. While verbal notification is allowed, providing a written report ensures that there’s an accurate record of your job-related accident.
- Including key details about your injury. Specify when and where the injury occurred, how it happened, the conditions that might have led to it, and any witnesses who may have seen it or known about a worsening problem.
- Keeping a copy of your written report. This documentation is crucial evidence in your workers' compensation claim if your employer or their insurance company tries to dispute your claim.
Failure to report your injury within the 30-day window could jeopardize your health as well as eligibility for workers' comp benefits, so don’t delay.
#2: Get Medical Treatment for Your Knee Injury at Work
Your employer should provide you with a list of approved physicians within the workers' compensation system. If they fail to do so, you may choose your doctor. During your initial examination:
- Clearly explain how the injury occurred. Provide the health care provider with a detailed account of the work-related incident or the job duties you believe contributed to your knee injury.
- Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Attend all scheduled appointments, take prescribed medications, and participate in the therapy or rehabilitation programs your physician recommends. These actions protect your health and prevent complications with the insurance company.
- Keep all medical records. Maintain copies of each report, bill, and correspondence related to your knee injury.
- Maintain communications. Keep your employer and workers’ comp insurer informed about your medical condition, work restrictions, and any time off needed for treatment and recovery.
Documenting your medical treatment after a work-related knee injury is crucial for proving your workers' compensation claim and ensuring you receive the necessary benefits to cover your health care expenses and lost wages.
#3: File Your Workers' Compensation Claim
In order to preserve your rights regarding your work-related knee injury, you must file a formal claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation (SBWC). While you have up to one year from the date of your injury to file a claim, it's best to start the process as soon as possible to begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s what to do to put the wheels in motion:
- Complete Form WC-14. This is the official Notice of Claim form required by the SBWC.
- Submit your claim to the SBWC. You can file your claim electronically, by mail, or in person at a local SBWC office.
- Notify your employer and their workers' comp insurance carrier. Provide them with a copy of Form WC-14 and any supporting documentation supporting your claim.
Then, the workers' comp insurer will investigate your case and determine whether to approve or deny your benefits. If your claim is accepted, the insurer is required to begin paying income benefits within 21 days of the date you became disabled from working.
#4: Hire Our Workers' Compensation Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
In many cases, there’s no need for legal assistance. You can usually follow our recommendations above, and the workers’ comp process goes smoothly. However, sometimes, there are complications, either from your employer or the insurer, and you don’t want your knee injury recovery to be burdened even more by red tape and denial.
If you’ve already run into this and think there aren’t any options left, call Rechtman & Spevak. We have a proven track record of success in helping injured people secure the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. Here are just some of the ways attorney Jaret A. Spevak will assist you:
- Gather evidence to support your claim. Jaret will obtain the medical records, expert testimony, witness statements, and other necessary proof to support your case.
- Handle all communications. We take over correspondence and negotiations on your behalf, ensuring your interests are represented and that the insurer doesn’t take advantage of you.
- Appeal a denied claim. If your initial claim is denied, Jaret can file a request for hearing before an adminstrative law judge and present a strong case in court on your behalf.
- Explore additional sources of compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may have grounds for a third-party liability claim in addition to your workers' comp claim. Our team pursues all possibilities so you’re fully compensated for your knee injury.
At a time when your health, income, and professional future are at stake, having a dedicated legal advocate ensures you don’t face the process alone—and gives you the best chance at a fair and full recovery.