JCC Awards Knee Treatment After Quadriceps Atrophy Links Falls to Work Injury

In Reimers v. Baycare Health Systems, OJCC Case No. 24-027118BJA, the claimant injured her right knee after tripping over a wet-floor sign while working as an ICU nurse and later sought an MRI, physical therapy, a muscle-stimulation unit, and a pes anserinus bursa injection.

Judge Brian J. Anthony granted the treatment claims, accepting Dr. Fabio Fiore's opinions over the employer/carrier doctors where they differed. The order found that quadriceps atrophy and post-traumatic knee changes tied the later buckling complaints and treatment needs back to the September 19, 2024 industrial accident.

The practical takeaway is that a stable varus/valgus exam did not end the causation analysis. Credible testimony, MRI findings, quadriceps atrophy, and a reasoned IME opinion supported additional care even after the authorized doctor placed the claimant at MMI.

Source: Compensation Order