Suffering a work-related injury can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience. In Ohio, with few exceptions, employees injured on the job are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. One common workplace injury is a torn meniscus, a severe knee injury that can significantly impact their ability to work and perform daily activities.
A torn meniscus may require surgery and take weeks to heal
The meniscus are C-shaped pieces of cartilage in the knee joint that act as shock absorbers. A torn meniscus occurs when this cartilage is damaged, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. There are different types of meniscus tears, including acute traumatic tears caused by a single event at work and degenerative tears resulting from prior trauma combined with degenerative changes over time.
How do torn meniscus injuries happen at work?
Torn meniscus injuries can happen in various work environments. Some examples include sudden stops or pivots, lifting heavy objects, falls, unsafe work conditions, or repetitive stress on the knee joint. For instance, a construction worker lifting heavy equipment may twist their knee and tear their meniscus, while a nurse moving patients may suffer a similar injury due to the strain on their knee joint.
Certain industries pose a higher risk for meniscus tears due to the nature of the work involved. Jobs that require frequent lifting, bending, and repetitive knee movements, such as construction, nursing, manufacturing, and warehouse work, are examples of occupations where employees may be more susceptible to meniscus injuries.
How do you medically treat a torn meniscus injury?
The treatment for a torn meniscus often involves surgery, such as arthroscopy (partial or complete) or, in some cases, a meniscus repair (transplant). Post-surgical physical therapy may also be necessary to aid in recovery and rehabilitation. The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the tear and the type of treatment received.
Sedentary work may resume within 10 to 21 days after arthroscopy, while manual labor or heavy-duty work may require a longer recovery period ranging from 42 to 140 days. The expense of being out of work and paying for injury-related medical care can quickly put a strain on finances. Fortunately, meniscus tears are covered by Ohio's workers' compensation system.
Who is eligible for workers' compensation benefits?
Under Ohio law, workers' compensation provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages related to on-the-job injuries. This is for all employees regardless of their age, initial employment date, fault, or job title.
Workers' compensation can cover medical expenses such as diagnostic tests, surgery, physical therapy, and necessary medications. Workers' compensation can also provide wage replacement benefits if your injury prevents you from working.
Help for injured Ohio workers
Facing the challenges of an injury or disability can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. At Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A., our attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers obtain the compensation and benefits they deserve. With over 150 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to get results for injured Ohioans.
Suffering a torn meniscus at work can significantly impact your life, both physically and financially. However, workers' compensation exists to protect and support employees who sustain work-related injuries. If you were injured at work in Ohio, contact us today for a free case consultation. With offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, Troy, and Columbus, we offer legal representation to clients throughout Ohio.