Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys Blog

An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments which joins the upper leg bone with the lower leg bone. The ACL's primary function is to keep the knee stable. Injuries can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the ligament can tear completely or separate from the bone.

An ACL injury can occur in an employment setting. For example, a fall from a ladder or missed step on a staircase can cause such an injury. Lifting and twisting are also common causes. Like any other body part, the ACL becomes weaker with age, and after reaching the age of 40 a tear becomes more likely.
Some symptoms of an acute ACL injury include feeling or hearing a pop in the knee at the time of the injury, pain on the outside or back of the knee. The knee may also swell within the first hours of the injury. You may also experience limited knee movement due to pain or swelling.

To treat an ACL tear, there are two main options. You can undergo exercises and training, also known as rehabilitation therapy. This may take several months for your knee to get better, and may require you to lose time from work. The other option is surgery arthroscopically or an open surgery. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your ACL tear, whether other parts of the knee are injured, your level of activity, your age, your overall health, and how long ago the injury occurred.

If you have injured your knee in a work accident, immediately report the incident to your employer and seek medical attention. Then, contact you Illinois Workers Compensation Attorney.

In every five work-related injury, one results from a slip, trip, or
fall. Slip, trips, and fall can be tragic and affect your ability to
work.

According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of
work-related injuries. Whether fatal or non-fatal, falls are a safety
concern in the work-place. Workplace falls has taken over 715 lives
and caused 313,335 injuries involving a work absence every year.
Slips and trips make up over 65% of work-related injuries.

Falls can result in serious injuries such as severe head injuries,
back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, sprains and strains to muscles
and even death. Even an effort to catch your balance to prevent from
slipping or tripping can cause sprains and strains to muscles or
joints and permanent back injuries.

If you have a work-related injury that resulted from a slip, trip, or
fall inform your employer immediately and consult an attorney.

OSHA, 2005