California Workers’ Comp Settlements for Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are among the most common and life-altering conditions we see in California workers’ compensation cases. Whether you’re climbing ladders on a construction site, kneeling in a warehouse, operating heavy equipment, or walking job sites all day, your knees take constant stress. When one gives out, it can end your ability to do physical work.
The first question most injured workers ask us: What is my case worth—and how do I protect my rights?
At Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys, we’ve handled countless of knee injury cases across California. After years defending insurance companies, we know exactly how they downplay or delay these claims. We now use that experience for injured workers—pressing for accurate ratings, ensuring surgeries and medical care are approved, and negotiating settlements that reflect true loss of mobility and earning capacity.
Common Work-Related Knee Injuries
Meniscus tears (medial or lateral)
Ligament tears: ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL
Patellar tendon tears or dislocations
Chondromalacia and cartilage degeneration
Post-surgical stiffness or arthrofibrosis
Osteoarthritis following trauma or repetitive stress
Fractures involving the patella, tibial plateau, or femur
These injuries can result from a sudden accident (a fall, twist, or direct impact) or cumulative trauma from repetitive kneeling, climbing, squatting, or standing on hard surfaces for years.
Treatment and Recovery
Initial treatment often includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and knee braces. If pain, swelling, or instability persist, surgical intervention may follow. The most common procedures include arthroscopic meniscectomy or repair, ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and total knee replacement in severe cases.
Recovery can be long and difficult. Many injured workers require months of rehabilitation and modified duty. It’s common for knee cases to take 12 to 18 months to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). During that time, temporary disability benefits are typically paid.
How Settlements Are Valued in Knee Cases
Once you’ve reached MMI, typically the Qualified Medical Evaluator (State Neutral Doctor) must issue a Permanent Impairment rating under the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition chapter 17. For knee cases, the impairment is determined based on:
Range of motion in flexion and extension
Instability or ligament laxity documented on exam
Strength loss or muscle atrophy
Post-surgical residuals such as hardware, replacements, or stiffness
Gait disturbance or use of assistive devices (brace, cane)
These findings are converted to a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) and run through California’s Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS), adjusted for your age, occupation, and apportionment to prior injuries.
We are experts in ensuring the QME in your case properly reviews the right chapter AMA Guides to maximize your impairment rating. We never shy away from challenging a doctor to ensure a fair result that you are owed. If the report is incomplete or inaccurate, we act quickly to rebut or correct it. We also ensure all related body parts are addressed, such as the hip, low back, or ankle, which often develop secondary issues from limping or altered gait.
Factors That Increase Case Value
Objective, consistent range-of-motion deficits - Think inability to bend knee.
Recurrent instability or giving-way episodes - Leg giving out
MRI showing significant meniscus or ligament tears
Post-surgical complications or need for total knee replacement
Cane Utilization or Walker
Documented limp or altered gait mechanics
X-rays showing decreased bone cartellege
Settlement Options: Stipulations vs. Compromise & Release
Stipulations with Request for Award. You receive biweekly permanent disability payments and retain lifetime medical care for your knee. Best if you may need future care such as injections, arthroscopic cleanup, or knee replacement.
Compromise & Release (C&R). You receive a lump sum and close out your right to future medical treatment. Some injured workers prefer this if they plan to treat outside the workers’ comp system or want final closure.
Common Insurer Arguments in Knee Cases
“It’s just arthritis.” We counter with orthopedic and radiologic evidence showing work-related aggravation.
“You can still do light duty.” We verify whether modified work truly fits within your doctor’s restrictions and fight to get you Total Temporary Disability (2/3rd your salary) when a return-to-work offer is not made or restrictions not being honored.
“You had a prior injury.” We prove the difference between pre-existing wear and new industrial trauma.
FAQs
How long does a knee case take to settle?
Most cases resolve once MMI is reached and the final QME report is issued—usually 12–18 months depending on surgery and recovery.
What if I had knee problems before?
Prior history doesn’t disqualify you. The law separates old impairment from new work-related injury through apportionment.
Do I need a lawyer for a knee injury?
Yes. Insurance carriers have professionals working against your interests. A skilled workers’ comp attorney ensures accurate ratings and fair settlement.
Should I close out medical or keep it open?
That depends on your age, medical outlook, and comfort with the workers’ comp system. We guide every client through both options.
Our Approach to Knee Cases
We know the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue knee claims because we used to defend them. Now, we use that insight for injured workers—ensuring that every impairment, surgery, and lost work ability is properly documented and valued.
Call or text David A. Lee or Michael Lee at Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We represent injured workers across Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire, the High Desert, Ventura County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego.
Service Areas and Nearby Cities
Los Angeles County: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Pomona, El Monte, Downey, Inglewood, Carson, Torrance, Hawthorne, West Covina, Beverly Hills.
High Desert & Inland Empire: Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Palmdale, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Riverside, Fontana, Ontario, Corona, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet.
Ventura & Orange County: Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach.
San Diego County: San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos.