Knee Injury Workers' Compensation in San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino's Logistics & Trucking and Railroad sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $25,000–$50,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Bernardino is $61,200. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401. An experienced attorney who knows the San Bernardino board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Knee Injury settlement values in California range from $25,000–$50,000
  • San Bernardino area settlements average $61,200 across all injury types
  • Key San Bernardino industries with knee injury risk: Logistics & Trucking, Railroad
  • Your WCAB office: 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  • 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

San Bernardino avg. across all injuries: $61,200

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How Knee Injurys Happen in San Bernardino

Climbing in and out of trucks and trailer loading causes meniscus tears and ligament injuries.

Climbing on and off equipment, track work, and ballast maintenance damage railroad workers knees.

San Bernardino's economy relies heavily on Logistics & Trucking, Railroad, 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.

San Bernardino WCAB Office

464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 383-4341

State building parking lot is available for visitors. Enter from 4th Street. Security check required upon building entry.

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 San Bernardino

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 San Bernardino

  • 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 San Bernardino WCAB office is at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Knee Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in San Bernardino

View all San Bernardino workers' comp info →

Knee Injury in San Bernardino FAQ

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

Knee Injury settlements in California typically range from $25,000–$50,000. The overall average settlement in San Bernardino is $61,200. 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 San Bernardino?

San Bernardino workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 464 W. 4th Street, Suite 239, San Bernardino, CA 92401. Phone: (909) 383-4341. 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 San Bernardino?

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

Which San Bernardino industries have the highest knee injury risk?

In San Bernardino, knee injury claims are most common in the Logistics & Trucking, Railroad industries. Construction and logistics cases are very frequent in the IE.

Injured at Work in San Bernardino?

Our attorneys handle knee injury claims at the San Bernardino 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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