What Are Some Common At-Work Knee Injury Claims — and Are They Covered in Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation?

Knee injuries are among the most frequent injuries reported in Oklahoma workplaces. Whether the job involves heavy lifting, repetitive movement, climbing, standing for long hours, or navigating slippery surfaces, the knee is especially vulnerable to strain and trauma. When a worker gets hurt, one of the first questions that arises is whether the injury is covered under Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws. In many cases, the answer is yes — but the claim must meet specific legal requirements.

Common Workplace Knee Injuries

Oklahoma workers regularly file claims for a wide range of knee-related medical conditions. Some of the most common include:

Sprains and Strains

These injuries occur when ligaments or muscles in the knee are overstretched or torn. They often result from slipping, twisting, or lifting heavy items and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Meniscus Tears and Cartilage Damage

The meniscus is the cushioning cartilage inside the knee. A sudden twist, awkward step, or carrying a heavy load can cause a tear that may require surgery or extensive physical therapy.

Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL)

These injuries often happen when the knee bends or rotates beyond its normal range. Jobs involving climbing, jumping, or quick direction changes are particularly prone to ligament damage.

Bursitis and Tendonitis

Repetitive movements, kneeling for long periods, or constant pressure on the knee joint can inflame the bursa or tendons. These conditions can become chronic without proper treatment.

Fractures or Traumatic Knee Injuries

Falls, equipment accidents, and sudden impacts can fracture the kneecap or cause other significant trauma to the joint, leading to long recovery periods and time away from work.

Are Knee Injuries Covered Under Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation?

Under Oklahoma law, a knee injury is covered if:

• It arises out of and in the course of employment,
• It is properly reported to the employer, and
• A medical provider confirms the injury is connected to work activities.

Oklahoma’s system is no-fault, meaning a worker does not have to prove the employer did anything wrong. If the injury happened while performing job duties, benefits typically include:

• Medical treatment, such as doctor visits, surgery, medication, and physical therapy,
• Wage replacement, if the injury prevents working for a period of time,
• Permanent impairment benefits, if the knee never fully returns to its pre-injury condition, and
• Vocational rehabilitation, when the worker cannot return to the same job.

When Knee Injury Claims May Be Denied

Some knee injuries fall outside the scope of workers’ compensation. Claims may be denied if:

• The injury occurred off the clock or during the commute,
• The worker cannot show the injury was related to job duties,
• The knee problem was purely pre-existing with no work-related aggravation, or
• The worker did not report the injury within the required timeframe.

A pre-existing knee condition does not automatically bar a claim, but the worker must show that job duties significantly aggravated the condition.

What Injured Workers Should Do

Anyone who suffers a knee injury at work in Oklahoma should:

1. Report the injury immediately to a supervisor,
2. Seek medical care promptly,
3. Follow all treatment recommendations, and
4. Document symptoms, work duties, and limitations as the injury progresses.

Because knee injuries can affect long-term mobility and earning capacity, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney may be helpful, especially if the injury requires surgery or if an insurance company disputes the claim.

Tulsa Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Knee injuries are common in Oklahoma workplaces, and many qualify for workers’ compensation benefits when they occur on the job. From sprains and ligament tears to chronic inflammation or fractures, Oklahoma law provides medical and financial support to workers who are injured while performing their duties. Understanding what qualifies — and taking the right steps after an injury — helps ensure workers receive the benefits they need to heal and return to work. For a free consultation with a Tulsa workers’ compensation attorney, call the Kania Law Office at 918.743.2233. You can also follow this link to ask a free online legal question.