Knee Injury Workers' Compensation in Modesto, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Knee Injury claims are common in Modesto's Logistics sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $25,000–$50,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Modesto is $55,600. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 3021 Reynolds Ranch Pkwy, Suite 130, Lodi, CA 95240. An experienced attorney who knows the Modesto board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Knee Injury settlement values in California range from $25,000–$50,000
  • Modesto area settlements average $55,600 across all injury types
  • Key Modesto industries with knee injury risk: Logistics
  • Your WCAB office: 3021 Reynolds Ranch Pkwy, Suite 130, Lodi, CA 95240
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Report knee injuries immediately - even seemingly minor meniscus tears can worsen dramatically

Knee Injury Settlement Range

$25,000–$50,000

Modesto avg. across all injuries: $55,600

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How Knee Injurys Happen in Modesto

Kneeling during loading, climbing, and repetitive impact from walking on concrete cause knee injuries.

Modesto's economy relies heavily on Logistics, making knee injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

Modesto WCAB Office

3021 Reynolds Ranch Pkwy, Suite 130, Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 948-7759

Served by the Lodi WCAB office (formerly Stockton, relocated Dec 2023). 30-minute drive from Modesto via CA-99. Ample free parking.

Knee Injury Symptoms to Document

Knee pain

Aching, sharp, or stabbing pain in the knee joint, often worsening with weight-bearing, stairs, or prolonged standing

Swelling and stiffness

Fluid accumulation in the knee joint causing visible swelling, tightness, and difficulty bending

Instability or buckling

Sensation that the knee is giving way or unable to support body weight, common with ligament tears

Locking or catching

Knee getting stuck or catching during movement, often indicating a meniscus tear or loose body in the joint

Popping or grinding

Audible or palpable clicking, popping, or grinding sensations during knee movement

Limited range of motion

Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee due to pain, swelling, or mechanical blockage

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

RICE protocol and rest

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation to reduce initial swelling and pain

Typical timeline: First 48-72 hours, then ongoing as needed

Covered

Physical therapy

Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings, range of motion restoration, and functional training

Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks, 2-3 sessions per week

Covered

Bracing and support

Knee braces to provide stability and support during healing and return to work

Typical timeline: Weeks to months depending on injury

Covered

Viscosupplementation injections

Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint and reduce pain from arthritis

Typical timeline: Series of 3-5 injections over several weeks

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Knee Injury Settlement in Modesto

Type of injury

Ligament tears settle for more than meniscus tears

Meniscus tear: $15,000-$40,000 vs. ACL tear: $40,000-$80,000

Surgical requirements

Complex reconstructions increase value significantly

Conservative treatment: $15,000-$25,000 vs. ACL reconstruction: $60,000-$80,000

Long-term stability

Chronic instability or re-injury increases settlement

Failed ACL reconstruction requiring revision adds $40,000-$60,000

Need for future surgery

High likelihood of future knee replacement substantially increases value

Future knee replacement adds $30,000-$60,000 to settlement

Filing Your Knee Injury Claim in Modesto

  • Report knee injuries immediately - even seemingly minor meniscus tears can worsen dramatically
  • Document kneeling, climbing, and squatting in your job description for cumulative trauma claims
  • Request an MRI early to confirm extent of damage before insurance downplays injury
  • Track instability episodes (knee buckling or giving way) as evidence of ligament damage
  • Don't settle before determining if future knee replacement is likely
  • Get QME evaluation if insurance disputes the need for surgery
  • Ensure settlement accounts for permanent restrictions on kneeling and climbing
  • The Modesto WCAB office is at 3021 Reynolds Ranch Pkwy, Suite 130, Lodi, CA 95240 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Knee Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Modesto

View all Modesto workers' comp info →

Knee Injury in Modesto FAQ

What is the average knee injury workers' comp settlement in Modesto?

Knee Injury settlements in California typically range from $25,000–$50,000. The overall average settlement in Modesto is $55,600. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a knee injury workers' comp claim in Modesto?

Modesto workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 3021 Reynolds Ranch Pkwy, Suite 130, Lodi, CA 95240. Phone: (209) 948-7759. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a knee injury workers' comp case take in Modesto?

Most knee injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Modesto WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Modesto board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Modesto industries have the highest knee injury risk?

In Modesto, knee injury claims are most common in the Logistics industry. Modesto is a major food processing and agriculture hub. We handle pesticide exposure and repetitive motion claims from local plants.

Injured at Work in Modesto?

Our attorneys handle knee injury claims at the Modesto WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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