Type of Case: Workers’ Compensation
Legal Issue or Dispute: Consequential knee injury following a back injury
Facts: Our client suffered a low back injury in the course and scope of his employment. The injury was accepted by the work comp insurer and our client eventually had two back surgeries. Although the surgeries were successful, he was left with some ongoing weakness, instability and radiating symptoms down one of his legs. The instability caused him to occasionally stumble or lose his balance, which resulted in a twisting injury to his knee. After treating for several months, our client ultimately required knee surgery.
We submitted the knee injury medical bills to work comp, because the knee injury was a consequence of the original back injury. Predictably, the insurance company denied responsibility for the knee problems and we filed a formal claim. We obtained a report from the knee surgeon explaining how the knee injury was related to the back injury and the case was set for trial.
Result: Before trial, the insurance company agreed to accept the knee injury claim and paid all of the medical bills related to the knee injury and surgery. In addition, our client was reimbursed for his medical mileage and expenses, out-of-pocket medical bills related to the knee injury and the insurance company agreed to accept responsibility for any future medical care for his knee. Finally, the insurance company paid our attorney fees and expenses.
If you have questions about any aspect of your northern Minnesota work comp claim, please feel free to contact me at Bradt Law Offices at any time. I am happy to speak with you about your claim or make an appointment for an absolutely free consultation in our Grand Rapids office or wherever it would be convenient for you. We have been representing your friends and neighbors on their work comp claims all across northeastern Minnesota and the Iron Range for nearly 30 years. If you’ve been injured, we can help.
Thank you for visiting our blog.
