Work-Related Knee Injury Lawyers

Experienced Ankle Knee Injury Attorneys in Santa Ana, CA

Knee injuries are not minor issues. Tears to ligaments, cartilage damage, or joint deterioration can severely limit your ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, or perform the physical demands of your job.

While California workers’ compensation laws are meant to protect injured employees, knee injury claims are often challenged or delayed by employers and insurance carriers. Employers are legally required to maintain safe working conditions and act promptly when injuries are reported. When they don’t, they may be held responsible under California Labor Code § 6400.

At Fontes Law Group, our workers’ compensation attorneys take immediate action. We’ve successfully represented hundreds of clients with knee injuries, and if your claim has been denied, delayed, or minimized, we’re prepared to fight for the full benefits and justice you’re entitled to.

Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group

Experience. Compassion. Results.

We understand what injured workers are up against, delayed medical care, denied claims, pressure to return to work too soon, and the stress that comes with trying to protect your job while you heal. That’s where we step in.

• Decades of experience handling California workers’ compensation claims
• Trusted by injured workers throughout Riverside and Santa Ana
• Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff available
• No legal fees unless we win your case

Scope of Knee Injuries in the Workplace

Knee injuries are among the most common and most disabling injuries workers experience on the job. They affect employees across nearly every industry, including construction, healthcare, warehousing, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.

Common types of work-related knee injuries include:

• Meniscus or cartilage tears
• ACL, MCL, or other ligament damage
• Knee fractures or dislocations
• Patellar tendonitis or bursitis
• Chronic knee strain from prolonged kneeling, squatting, or lifting
• Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis caused or accelerated by repetitive motion

These injuries don’t just cause pain. They can limit mobility, reduce strength, and make it difficult or impossible to perform essential job duties.

Understanding Knee Injury Claims in California

Knee injuries can happen suddenly, such as during a fall or misstep, or develop gradually through repetitive stress. California’s workers’ compensation system recognizes both types. Under California Labor Code § 3208.1, cumulative trauma injuries are treated just as seriously as single-incident injuries.

You may have a valid workers’ compensation claim if your job involves:

• Frequent bending, squatting, or kneeling
• Lifting or carrying heavy materials
• Climbing ladders, stairs, or scaffolding
• Long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Operating heavy machinery or industrial equipment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 94,000 knee injuries occur each year in private industry workplaces, making knee trauma one of the leading causes of job-related time away from work. Construction, warehousing, transportation, and healthcare consistently report some of the highest injury rates.

Even knee pain that starts out mild can worsen quickly when work duties continue. If your injury is interfering with your job or getting worse over time, filing a claim early can protect both your health and your benefits.

Common Knee Injury Cases and Red Flags

Workplace scenarios we frequently handle include:

• Slips, trips, and falls resulting in sudden knee trauma
• Injuries caused by lifting, twisting, or awkward movements
• Repetitive stress injuries in warehouse, custodial, and healthcare roles
• Knee injuries that worsen over time due to continued job duties
• Pressure from employers to return to work before full recovery

Signs your knee injury may require legal help:

• Swelling, instability, or difficulty walking
• Sharp pain when bending, lifting, or climbing stairs
• Popping, locking, or weakness in the knee
• A diagnosis involving ligament, cartilage, or joint damage
• A denied claim or delayed medical treatment
• Being told the injury is not work-related despite clear job involvement

If any of these situations sound familiar, Fontes Law Group is ready to step in, protect your rights, and fight for the medical care and compensation you deserve.

Typical Timelines in Knee Injury Claims

Every case is different, but most California workers’ compensation knee injury claims follow a general timeline:

• Claim filing and medical referral: 1 to 2 weeks

• Diagnosis and medical documentation: 1 to 3 months

• Negotiation and settlement discussions: 3 to 6 months

• Hearings or appeals: 6 months or longer if the claim is contested

Delays are common, especially when employers or insurers dispute the injury. We stay actively involved at every stage to keep your case moving and reduce unnecessary setbacks.

Understanding Employer Duties and Violations

California employers have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace and reduce known injury risks. When they fail to do so, they may face legal consequences under state labor and workers’ compensation laws.

Employer responsibilities include:

• Providing appropriate safety equipment and flooring, such as anti-fatigue mats, kneepads, or slip-resistant footwear

• Adjusting or rotating tasks that require excessive kneeling, squatting, or climbing

• Fixing wet, uneven, or cluttered areas that increase the risk of slips or missteps

• Promptly reporting injuries and starting the workers’ compensation process

• Maintaining active workers’ compensation insurance as required by California Labor Code § 3700

Common Employer and Insurance Violations

We frequently see knee injury claims undermined by the same unlawful practices, including:

• Ignoring or refusing to document injury reports

• Delaying or denying access to medical evaluations or orthopedic testing

• Dismissing knee injuries as age-related or pre-existing without evidence

• Pressuring workers to return before being medically cleared

• Retaliating against employees for filing claims or requesting accommodations

At Fontes Law Group, we investigate these violations carefully. When employers or insurers delay care, deny benefits, or shift blame, we step in to protect your rights and pursue accountability.

Proving Your Knee Injury Case in California

To secure benefits, three key elements must be established:

• Your knee injury is real and supported by medical documentation

• Your job duties significantly contributed to the injury

• Your employer or insurance provider failed to meet their legal obligations

We rely on job descriptions, ergonomic analysis, expert opinions, and medical records to build a strong case that is difficult to dispute.

Compensation for Knee Injury Claims

A successful knee injury claim under California’s workers’ compensation system can help cover both immediate medical care and the long-term financial impact of your injury. At Fontes Law Group, we work to secure the full scope of benefits the law allows, not just the minimum an insurance company is willing to approve.

Medical Treatment

Workers’ compensation must cover all medically necessary care related to your knee injury, including:

• Emergency room treatment and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to assess ligament damage or fractures

• Surgical procedures, including ACL, MCL, or meniscus repair when conservative treatment isn’t enough

• Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and stability

• Bracing, injections, or assistive devices like knee supports, cortisone injections, or mobility aids to manage pain and protect the joint

This coverage includes follow-up care and specialist referrals when your recovery requires it.

Wage Loss and Disability Benefits

If your knee injury keeps you from working, compensation may include:

• Temporary disability benefits to replace lost wages while you recover or follow medical restrictions

• Permanent disability compensation if your injury causes lasting limitations that affect your ability to return to your prior job or earn at the same level

We make sure disability ratings are based on proper medical evidence, not minimized by an insurance adjuster.

Additional Support and Long-Term Benefits

More serious knee injuries may qualify for added support, including:

• Vocational retraining or job reassignment if you can’t return to your previous position

• Lump-sum settlements that account for future medical needs, permanent impairment, or reduced earning capacity

Third-Party Knee Injury Claims

If someone outside your employer contributed to your injury, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, a separate personal injury claim may be available. These claims can allow recovery for pain, suffering, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

FAQs About Knee Injury Cases

Helpful Resources for California Workers

California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
California Labor Code – Workers’ Comp Requirements
Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Knee injuries can take you out of work and off your feet for months. If your employer or their insurer won’t approve care, delay your claim, or try to avoid responsibility, Fontes Law Group is here to protect your rights and get you the support you need.

Schedule a free consultation today and let us fight for your recovery.