Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | August 24, 2017
Employees in a variety of different industries are at risk of sustaining leg injuries, which can range in severity from minor sprains and torn ligaments to ruptured tendons and broken bones. Fortunately, all of these types of injuries are compensable under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, so if you were injured while on the job, it is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you begin the process of filing a claim for benefits as soon as possible.
Types of Leg Injuries
Accidents that result in injuries to the knees and ankles are extremely common, especially in certain industries. For instance, in a recent year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as many as 6,640 knee injuries occur every year in the construction industry alone. This is in large part because the joints of the lower half of the body are more susceptible to injury over time and have a tendency to become worn down after repetitive use. Although the type and severity of a leg injury depend on how the accident occurred as well as the age and general health of the employee, there are some types of leg injuries that occur again and again in many industries, including:
- Sprained ankles;
- Ruptured tendons in the ankles, knees, and quadriceps;
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and meniscus tears in the knee;
- Ruptured Achilles tendon
- Calf strains
- Stress fractures in the knee, femur, or tibia;
- Shin splints; and
- Plantar fasciitis.
Whether these injuries are caused by a one-time workplace accident or are the result of years of wear and tear, treatment is often painful and requires grueling rehabilitation. Depending on the type of injury, an employee may have difficulty standing, walking, or lifting, which in many can make it nearly impossible for the injured party to fulfill work-related duties.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Fortunately, whether an injury is caused by repetitive motion or a single accident, workers’ compensation should cover the cost of treatment as well as lost wages for a certain period of time if the injury keeps the victim out of work. If a particularly serious injury makes it impossible for a person to work at all, he or she may be eligible to receive ongoing benefits on a permanent basis. This is true even if the injured party’s negligence or carelessness somehow caused or contributed to his or her own injury.
injured parties have recovered as much as possible, but still struggle with permanent impairment, they may be eligible to continue receiving benefits in an amount that is equal to two-thirds of their weekly wage multiplied by the person’s percentage of impairment. Generally, in these cases, leg injuries can only be compensated for up to 225 weeks after a person reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Call Today to Speak With an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Hasner Law PC
For more information, please contact the Atlanta workers’ compensation law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
