Compensation for Knee Injuries in Bethany, OK
Knee injuries occupy a particular place in personal injury law. The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears most of the body’s weight during many activities. Knee injury affects basic mobility. The knee’s complex anatomy means multi-structure injuries are common. An attorney familiar with these distinctive cases brings expertise in this specialized injury area.
The Knee’s Unique Anatomy
Multiple Structures Working Together
The knee combines multiple distinct anatomical structures.
Major knee components include:
The Bones
- Upper leg bone
- Main lower leg bone
- Smaller lower leg bone
- Patellar bone
Cartilage
- Cushioning cartilage
- Articular cartilage
Ligaments
- Front cruciate ligament
- PCL
- MCL
- Outer side ligament
Tendons
- Quadriceps tendon
- Patellar tendon
- Hamstring tendons
Other Structures
- Bursae
- Iliotibial band
- Neurovascular structures
Multiple structures can be injured simultaneously.
Combined Injuries
Knee injuries frequently involve multiple structures. The “unhappy triad” — ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus injuries together — is well-recognized.
Common Knee Injuries
ACL Injuries
ACL tears are among the most well-recognized knee injuries. Full ACL tears require surgery.
ACL reconstruction surgery graft material to rebuild the ACL. Recovery is lengthy.
Meniscus Tears
Tears of the meniscal cartilage are very common knee injuries.
Treatment depends on tear pattern but may require arthroscopic surgery.
PCL Injuries
Posterior cruciate ligament injuries can be devastating, commonly resulting from car crash dashboard strikes.
MCL Injuries
MCL tears often heal with conservative treatment.
LCL Injuries
Lateral collateral ligament injuries can need surgical treatment, particularly when part of multi-structure injuries.
Patellar Fractures
Broken kneecaps happen with direct knee impacts. Surgical repair often needed.
Patellar Dislocation
Dislocation of the patella can lead to chronic instability.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
Tibial plateau damage are catastrophic. Tibial plateau fractures impact the joint surface.
Distal Femur Fractures
Distal femur fractures in the knee region require major surgical reconstruction.
Articular Cartilage Damage
Joint surface damage accelerates degeneration.
Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries impair function significantly.
Bursitis
Bursitis develops following injury.
Dislocation of the Knee
Dislocation of the entire knee joint is a medical emergency. Risk of vascular and nerve injury.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome requires immediate surgery.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents frequently cause knee damage.
Common crash-related knee injuries include:
- Impact-related knee damage
- Interior impact
- Rotational injuries
- Crushing damage
Slip-and-Falls and Trip-and-Falls
Falls commonly cause knee injuries. Twisting fall injuries.
Workplace Injuries
Job-related accidents can cause knee damage.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Recreation can produce knee injuries.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Pedestrian/cyclist injuries generate knee claims.
Direct Impact Injuries
Direct knee impacts generate distinct injury types.
Repetitive Trauma
Cumulative trauma over time can cause knee injuries.
Treatment for Knee Injuries
Conservative Treatment
Some knee injuries can be treated conservatively. This involves Initial conservative measures, Medications, physical therapy, bracing, Activity restrictions.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy treats various knee conditions. Arthroscopic surgery handles meniscus repair or trimming, articular cartilage surgery, ACL reconstruction (often done arthroscopically), loose body removal.
Open Surgery
More extensive injuries may require open surgery for major repairs.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement may eventually be required. Generally reserved for older patients.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement treats specific areas.
Cartilage Restoration Procedures
Cartilage repair techniques target articular cartilage damage.
Special Considerations for Knee Injuries
Future Surgery Risk
Future surgical needs are common. Conservative treatment that doesn’t resolve symptoms may necessitate surgery. Surgery that doesn’t fully heal necessitates additional procedures.
Long-Term Arthritis Risk
Post-traumatic arthritis is common. Even injuries that appear to heal well may produce arthritis years later.
Activity Modification Required
Knee injury patients often must permanently modify activities. Various activity limitations may need permanent modification.
Career Impact
Vocational consequences for jobs requiring standing, walking, climbing, lifting.
Damages in Knee Injury Cases
Knee injury damages can be substantial include:
- Emergency and initial medical care
- Operating costs
- Surgical facility costs
- PT and rehabilitation
- Future medical care
- Future surgical costs
- Revision surgery
- Eventual knee replacement
- Past and future income loss
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Common Insurance Defenses
“Pre-Existing Conditions”
Defense argues knee findings predate the accident. MRIs typically show some baseline wear, providing material for the defense. The aggravation rule applies.
“Surgery Wasn’t Necessary”
“You didn’t need surgery”.
“The Injury Resolved”
Resolution defenses. This defense fails with future surgery needs.
“Comparative Fault”
“You contributed to the injury”.
“Improper Treatment”
Defense argues plaintiff didn’t follow recommended treatment.
Critical Steps After a Knee Injury
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Quick medical attention. Even apparently minor knee injuries may signal significant damage.
Get Imaging Studies
First imaging, then advanced imaging. Imaging provides essential evidence.
Follow Through With Recommended Treatment
Continuous medical care builds the medical record.
Document Functional Impact
Record real-world impact.
Track Surgical Recovery
Post-surgical tracking, track recovery progress.
Don’t Sign Releases Without Counsel
Future impact may not be clear initially. Quick settlements often substantially undervalue knee cases.
Attorney Costs
Knee injury attorneys charge no upfront fees. These cases require investment in medical experts and life-care planners advanced by the firm.
Move Quickly
Time pressure on these cases is real.
Comprehensive ongoing documentation creates the strongest foundation. The legal time limit continues running.
Engaging counsel right away positions the case for the substantial recovery knee injuries often warrant.