If you have suffered a meniscus tear on the job, you could be eligible for Iowa workers' compensation benefits. To fully understand what your rights are, you should speak with an Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney.

Injuries that occur during the normal course of employment are eligible to be covered under Iowa workers' compensation benefits. You may be compensated for your medical expenses or if you become disabled, you may be able to collect additional compensation. An Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney will make sure you fully understand everything to which you are entitled.

Holding left knee because of work injuryIowa Workers' Compensation as a Result of a Meniscus Tear

Injuries to the knee can be painful and disabling. When cartilage is torn, this is called a meniscus tear. A meniscus tear can be especially serious as it affects the knee joint. If the knee joint doesn't properly function, it can make doing any type of activity very difficult. 

A meniscus tear is oftentimes caused by a traumatic injury. It is usually a result of the knee twisting and the knee joint bending. Depending on the type of work you do, it could happen while climbing up and down a ladder, lifting heavy boxes or any other number of ways.  

With a meniscus tear, there can also be additional damage. Sometimes there may be injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and/or the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). With severe injuries such as these, it can result in an individual being unable to work.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Symptoms of a meniscus tear can include any of the following: 

  • Pain.
  • Swelling.
  • Tenderness.
  • Clicking/popping of the knee.
  • Limited motion of joint.
  • Joint locking.
  • Inability to straighten joint. 

To determine if you have suffered a meniscus tear, you will need to see a doctor of the employer's choosing. Iowa workers' compensation allows your employer to choose your medical provider.  If you are not satisfied with the care you receive, you may be able to see another doctor, but not without approval.  If the employer refuses, there are proceedings you can go through to request alternate medical care.

How Will I Know if I Have a Torn Meniscus?

Generally, a meniscus tear is diagnosed with an MRI or an x-ray. A doctor will also ask questions such as what led up to your work-related injury and how it happened. Treatment will depend on a number of factors.

If the doctor determines that you are impaired but you feel the rating of impairment is not high enough, you may be able to get a second examination by another doctor of your choosing at the expense of the employer. An Iowa workers' compensation attorney can explain how medical care works for an Iowa workers' compensation claim. 

What Should I Do if I Have More Questions?

To learn more about Iowa's workers' compensation system, including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work, order a copy of our FREE book “Iowa Workers’ Compensation - An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” by calling 641-792-3595 or clicking here.  Why offer a Book at No Cost?  Iowa workers' compensation attorney Corey J. L. Walker offers his book at no cost because he has represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and seen too many clients make mistakes before they knew about their rights and responsibilities, costing them thousands of dollars.  Iowans injured on the job are beginning to realize that the workers' compensation insurance company is not there to help them and they should at least consider having someone on their side.  For immediate assistance or to schedule your NO COST work injury case evaluation, contact us online or call (641) 792-3595 and ask for Corey or Erik.

 

Corey Walker
Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.