Attorneys
Last Updated: 12/28/2023
LCL injuries at work involve the lateral collateral ligament, a ligament in the knee joint. These ligaments play a very important role in helping stabilize the knee, and injuries may affect stability in the knee. Injuries to the ligament can occur during workplace fall accidents or any other accident that places stress on the knee joint.
An LCL injury might involve a minor sprain, though some are LCL tears that require surgery and significant recovery time and missed time from work. Below is an overview of LCL tear injuries, their symptoms, treatments, and recovering workers' compensation.
Symptoms of an LCL Tear
Symptoms of an LCL tear may be more severe than in the case of a mild sprain. You may suffer the following symptoms.
- Swelling
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Soreness in the knee
- Instability or feeling like your knee is about to pop
Discuss your symptoms with a doctor. Your doctor may order imaging tests or other examinations to diagnose your injury. Upon diagnosis of the severity of the injury, your doctor may recommend various types of treatments, ranging from conservative options like ice treatment and medication to more significant treatment options like surgery.
Treatment for LCL Tears
While painkillers and ice treatments can help relieve the pain temporarily, Iowas workers who have suffered an LCL tear may find that these are short-term solutions. Treatment for an LCL tear may require using a brace to stabilize the knee. The doctor may also advise crutches and may suggest a regimen of physical therapy or rehabilitation.
One of the consequences of an LCL tear is limited range of motion in the knee. Physical therapy can help with this. Your doctor may also advise you to stay off your feet until the symptoms are completely alleviated.
In the case of a more sever tear, your doctor may also advise surgery. During surgery, a surgeon will try to repair the ligament or reconstruct it. Very often, these tears also occur in conjunction with other injuries to the knee, which means that additional surgeries may also be required.
Complications from LCL Tears
Iowa workers who suffer a severe LCL tear may continue to suffer instability in the knee and could be at risk of suffering a repeat injury. If your injury is work-related, your workers’ compensation benefits should cover the cost of your LCL surgery.
After the surgery, you may have to stay off your feet for several weeks or even months. If your job involves a lot of walking, standing, climbing or staying on your feet, this means that you may be off work for several months while the knee heals.
Even if you undergo surgery, the knee may never completely heal, and you may have to wear a knee brace in the future. Disability benefits may be recoverable if you are unable to work temporarily, as well as if you suffer permanent impairment, even if only partial impairment.
Talk to a Workers' Comp Attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair
Discuss your claim with a workers’ compensation attorney if you suffered a work-related injury. A lawyer can help you determine the kind of workers' comp benefits for which you are eligible if you cannot continue to work.
Examples of benefits for which you may qualify.
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Partial disability benefits
- Permanent partial disability benefits
Medical benefits pay for treatment of your work-related injury. Discuss your workers’ compensation claim with an attorney. Call (888) 435-9886 to speak with an attorney at Walker, Billingsley, and Bair. Or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment to discuss your case.
