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Beat Knee Compensation Claims

Beat knee compensation claims arise as a result of an injury called bursitis which is usually associated with unsafe working practices. Miners in particular suffer from this complaint and it has been an occupational hazard of mining for centuries. Other occupational knee injuries include osteoarthritis and damage to the menisci cartilage. These conditions are a form of repetitive strain injury (RSI) which is usually caused when the bones, joints, muscles, cartilage or tendons are subjected to repetitive movements with inadequate rest periods.

Beat knee compensation claims arise as a result of bursitis which is the inflammation of small fluid filled sacs or cushions called bursa, adjacent to the bones, joints, muscles, cartilage and tendons which facilitate the body’s motion and allow free movement without pain by reducing friction. If these sacs become irritated they over fill with fluid and become painful and inflamed and this can be either acute as a result of an accident or chronic due to recurrent irritation or injury as in RSI. Bursitis most commonly occurs under shoulder muscles, at the elbows, the hip sockets, the heel bones or the kneecaps. The most common causes of bursitis are trauma, infection and crystal deposits resulting from:-

• Over use, extended use or physical injury to the joint areas particularly associated with unsafe working practices often more commonly referred to as RSI
• Incorrect posture at work or inadequate physical ability to carry out a strenuous task at work.
• Abnormal or poorly positioned joints or bones that stress the soft tissues.
• Diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tuberculosis or psoriatic arthritis or staphylococcal or certain other bacterial infections.

The noticeable symptoms include pain and sensitivity in the area of the knee joint, reduced flexibility and strength which can occur with or without pain and can be so severe as to prevent motion or bending of the knee altogether. There may be visible symptoms in the form of redness and swelling around the inflamed areas. Generally symptoms fall into one or more of the following four categories :-

1. pain that increases with movement of the joint
2. tenderness of the joint
3. limited movement in the affected areas
4. swelling and redness in the affected areas

There has been some indication that a Government compensation scheme will be set up for those suffering from this condition. A compensation fund and claim handling agreement are expected to come into existence during the course of 2006 or 2007 however as in similar arrangements in the past there will almost certainly be a cut off date after which it will not be possible to start any further beat knee compensation claims. If you would like to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor at no cost and with no obligation just complete the contact form or phone the helpline on 0870 420 5589. If after talking to us you decide to proceed no further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our initial advice which is completely free.