Did you suffer a knee injury in an accident? You are certainly not alone. Knee injuries are among the most common types of serious joint issues. At their worst, they can be completely debilitating. Long-term physical therapy may be required. Notably, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that around 700,000 Americans require a total knee replacement each year. In many cases, a knee replacement is needed, at least in part, because of a previous injury. Within this article, our personal injury lawyer in Stockton provides a comprehensive overview of knee injury claims in California.
Knee Injuries Require Immediate Attention and the Proper Ongoing Care
Managing the aftermath of a knee injury can be challenging. For some people it is moderate pain and discomfort, for others it means excruciating pain and a dramatic lifestyle change. Knee injuries demand prompt medical evaluation to prevent further damage and ensure optimal recovery. For any person who suffers a knee injury, it is crucial to follow a tailored care plan that may include physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgery. Continued monitoring and adjustments to the treatment/rehabilitation plan may be required to put a person in the best possible position to make the maximum recovery.
An Overview of the Most Common Knee Injuries Suffered in Accidents
Knee injuries can take a wide range of different forms. Our firm handles all types of knee injury claims in California. No matter how your accident happened nor the severity of your knee injury, we are prepared to help you fight for justice. Some of the most common types of knee issue include:
- Knee Sprain: A knee sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the knee are stretched or torn, often resulting from a sudden twist or impact during accidents. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. Treatment involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) and, in some cases, physical therapy.
- Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a cushioning cartilage between the knee joints. It could potentially tear if the knee is twisted forcefully while bearing weight. The injury manifests as pain, swelling, and a popping sensation during movement. If they are severe, a meniscus tear might require surgery.
- Torn MCL: The medial collateral ligament (MCL), located on the inner side of the knee, can tear when the knee is pushed sideways. The injury often results from a direct blow to the outside of the knee, leading to pain, swelling, and instability in the joint. Treatment options range from bracing and physical therapy to surgery.
- Torn ACL: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most severe knee injuries, commonly occurring during sports or accidents that involve sudden stops and changes in direction. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and a loud “pop” sound at the time of injury. A person who tears his or her ACL will often have trouble bearing weight.
- Patellar Tendinitis: Patellar tendinitis, often referred to as “jumper’s knee,” is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This condition is common among athletes who engage in frequent jumping and repetitive motion sports. Symptoms include pain just below the kneecap, particularly during physical activity
- Patella Fracture: A patella fracture involves a break in the kneecap, which can occur from a direct impact to the knee or a forceful contraction of the muscles around the knee. The injury causes immediate and severe pain, swelling, and an inability to straighten the knee. The treatment depends on the specific type of fracture.
Every Serious Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation (Proving Liability)
To hold another party legally responsible for a knee injury, you must prove that their negligence—failure to take due care—was a factor in causing your accident. Every accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will ensure that you have all of the evidence that you need to prove fault.
Recovering Full and Fair Compensation for a Knee Injury
Suffer a knee injury in an accident in California? If you were hurt due to the negligence of any other party, you have the right to hold them liable for the full extent of your injuries, including your economic losses and your intangible damages. You may be wondering: How much compensation can I expect to recover through a personal injury claim? The answer is highly case-specific. In California, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages. However, the big insurance companies can make that hard. Our Stockton knee injury lawyers are focused on helping injured victims maximize their recovery, including for:
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Long-term physical therapy needs;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Permanent impairment.
Redkey Gordon is the Premier Personal Injury Law Firm in Stockton, CA
A knee injury can be extremely painful and even wholly debilitating. You may require extensive physical therapy and you may need to take leave from your job. In some cases, a bad knee injury could even force a person to retire from a physically-demanding job position entirely. It is crucial that you are able to secure the full and fair financial support available under the law. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we put injured victims first. Our case resultstell the story best. Our Stockton, CA personal injury attorneys are standing by, ready to help with your knee injury claim.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our Top-Tier Stockton, CA Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton personal injury lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of injured victims. Suffered any type of knee injury in an accident caused by negligence? We can help. Get in touch with us by phone or connect with us online for a free case evaluation. With a law office in Stockton, we provide aggressive representation to injured victims in the San Joaquin Valley, including in Sutter Creek, Lodi, Galt, and Manteca.