Workers’ Comp for Knee Injuries in Illinois

Knee injuries can be both painful and debilitating, especially when they impact your ability to work. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, twisted your knee lifting heavy materials, or developed pain from repeated squatting and kneeling, your injury may qualify for workers’ compensation under Illinois law.

At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we help workers across the state file claims, fight denials, and secure the benefits they need to recover after a work-related knee injury. If your job led to your knee condition, here’s what you should know about your rights and the next steps to take.

Common Workplace Knee Injuries

The knee is one of the most complex and vulnerable joints in the body. Because it bears so much weight and is involved in nearly every movement on the job, it’s also one of the most frequently injured.

Some of the most common work-related knee injuries include:

Torn meniscus
Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, or PCL tears)
Tendonitis or bursitis
Dislocations or fractures
Arthritis triggered or worsened by repetitive motion
Cartilage damage
Repetitive stress injuries caused by constant kneeling, climbing, or lifting

In many cases, these injuries result from a single incident, like a fall. But they can also build up over time due to the physical demands of the job.

Are Knee Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. If your knee injury was caused by your work, or if your job duties made a pre-existing condition worse, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois.

You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent. As long as your injury happened within the scope of your job, it may be covered. This includes full-time, part-time, and even some temporary employees. If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies, speaking with a legal professional can help clarify your options.

What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can Cover

If your claim is accepted, you may be entitled to:

Medical care: Including surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any assistive devices
Temporary total disability: Wage replacement if you’re unable to work during your recovery
Permanent partial or total disability: If the injury causes long-term limitations
Vocational rehabilitation: Training or support if you can’t return to your previous job
Travel reimbursement: For doctor visits or physical therapy sessions related to the injury

Not all injuries are the same. Some workers are back on the job within weeks, while others may need surgery and months of rehab. Be cautious of quick settlement offers from insurance companies; they often undervalue the long-term cost of a serious knee injury.

Steps to Take After a Knee Injury at Work

If you’ve suffered a knee injury on the job, taking the right steps early can protect your claim:

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Illinois law requires that you notify them within 45 days.
Seek medical attention, and make sure the doctor notes that your injury is work-related.
File an official claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission by submitting an Application for Adjustment of Claim.
Follow your treatment plan, attend all appointments, and keep records of everything.

At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we regularly help clients through every one of these steps to make sure nothing is missed and deadlines are met.

Challenges You Might Face

Some workers face pushback when filing a knee injury claim. Insurance companies may try to argue:

The injury is age-related or degenerative
It wasn’t caused by work
It’s a pre-existing condition
There isn’t enough documentation

If your claim has been denied or delayed for any reason, don’t assume that’s the end. Many cases are successfully appealed or negotiated when backed by strong evidence and proper representation.

Contact Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

A knee injury can keep you off your feet and out of work for weeks—or even longer. If you’re dealing with pain, lost wages, and medical bills after getting hurt on the job, you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Illinois Workers’ Comp Lawyers, we work with injured workers throughout the state to pursue the benefits they may be entitled to under the law. We’ll help you file your claim, respond to denials, and make sure your voice is heard.