Soft tissue injuries are generally painful, accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and sometimes bruising. Numerous job-related activities can lead to soft tissue injuries, causing long-term damage to ligaments and tendons. Any worker who suffers an injury while on the job is entitled to compensation under New Jersey’s no-fault workers’ compensation system.
At the Law Offices of Matarazzo & Lubcher, our workers’ compensation attorneys will fight until you receive the wage replacement and medical benefits you deserve.
Ligament Function and Signs of Injury
A ligament is a fibrous band of tissue that connects and stabilizes bones, joints, and organs. There are more than 900 ligaments in the human body. The knee has four ligaments that help to stabilize it, preventing it from moving side to side or backward.
A ligament injury can be caused by the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligament injuries are commonly referred to as “sprains.” Typical signs of a ligament injury may include:
- Bruising
- Trouble bearing weight on the affected limb
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness in the joint
Tendon Function and Signs of Injury
A tendon is a flexible, rope-like tissue that connects bone to muscle. Tendons allow a person’s bones to move as muscles contract. A tendon injury can be caused by overstretching a muscle or tendon, causing the tendon to tear.
As people age, tendons become thinner and are more prone to tearing or becoming inflamed. Commonly referred to as “muscle strain,” typical signs of a tendon injury may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- A popping sound when the tissue is tearing
- Loss of strength in the affected area
Occupations with Increased Risk of Ligament/Tendon Injury
Certain jobs can increase a person’s risk of developing a ligament or tendon injury, including:
Construction Workers
Due to the physical demands of their job, construction workers are at risk of an Achilles tendon injury. Located in the back of the leg, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel. Injury to the tendon can affect a person’s ability to walk, run, and jump.
A construction worker who steps into a hole at a job site can easily tear the tendon, causing calf pain, heel swelling, and an inability to stand on the toes of the injured leg. It does not matter why the hole existed; the worker deserves workers’ comp benefits.
Professional Athletes
Athletes are constantly putting stress on their knees, putting them at risk of developing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thighbone to the shinbone.
Symptoms of an ACL injury may include:
- A loud pop or popping sensation in the knee
- Inability to continue activity
- Swelling
- Pain
- Trouble weight-bearing on the affected knee
Cable Installers
With hours of kneeling and squatting, cable installers are also susceptible to ACL injury. Even taking all necessary precautions, a cable installer can still have an ACL injury. No matter how an injury comes about on the job, a worker deserves benefits to cover their medical costs and lost wages.
Contact a Cherry Hill Ligament/Tendon Injury Attorney Immediately
While an injury may seem minor at first, you can easily miss several weeks or months from work. If you have suffered a ligament or tendon injury, our workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to assist you in navigating the process. Contact us today online or call (856) 843-8403 to schedule your free consultation.