Michigan lawyer explains how workers’ comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment including knee replacement.
A person’s knee is the largest joint in their body, and it is vital to movement. Activities such as twisting, rotating, kneeling, pivoting, squatting, lifting, or sudden stops and turns can result in knee damage. A common question we get from clients who have injured their knee is, does Michigan workers’ comp pay for knee replacement? The answer is yes, if the medical evidence shows work activities caused a change of underlying knee pathology.
Knee injuries can be devastating if they result in permanent work restrictions. Types of knee injuries include ligament tears, damage to cartilage, broken patella, and torn meniscus. Swelling, stiffness, knee locking, and pain are common symptoms. Treatment usually consists of medication, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. In Michigan, workers’ comp will pay for knee replacement surgery if the doctor believes it to be reasonable and necessary because of a workplace accident.
We have represented many clients with knee injuries. Some of them have pre-existing arthritis but were able to work just fine before a workplace accident occurred. Watch out for new symptoms such as pain, swelling, locking, and stiffness. Make sure these new complaints are reported to the employer and a doctor.
Does workers’ comp pay for knee replacement in Michigan?
In Michigan, workers’ comp will pay for a knee replacement if a doctor believes it to be reasonable and necessary because of a workplace accident. According to Michigan law, employees who suffer from a workplace accident should have all reasonable and necessary medical treatment covered in full including recovery time. There should never be any deductibles or copayments owed. Many people settle these claims for a lump sum cash payment.
It’s important to know that insurance companies hate accepting responsibility for these types of work injury claims. They know how expensive it can be to have a knee replacement and how long a rehabilitation period could last.
Employees who are off work because of a knee replacement are entitled to lost wages. The amount paid should equal 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage. This is approximately 60% of gross pay. Weekly checks are supposed to be paid for the entire period of disability.
Watch out for the so-called “independent” medical examination. Many of these doctors make careers out of testifying against disabled employees. They are handpicked by insurance companies because they know what is going to be said in most claims. It is common for our clients to be told that a knee replacement is only done for arthritis and the workplace accident had nothing do with it.
If Michigan workers’ comp disputes paying for your knee replacement we recommend hiring an experienced attorney to fight any dispute. Medical evidence from a treating physician can be used to show a change of underlying pathology. There is never a fee unless benefits are recovered.
Injured while on-the-job in Michigan? Contact our lawyers now
If you injured your knee while on the job in Michigan and you are wondering if workers’ comp will pay for knee replacement surgery, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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