Compensation for Knee Injuries in Tahlequah, OK
The knee gets special treatment in injury law for good reason. The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears most of the body’s weight during many activities. When the knee is injured, basic functions become difficult or impossible. The knee’s complex anatomy means multi-structure injuries are common. A Tahlequah knee injury attorney knows how to evaluate the full scope of knee injury harm.
The Knee’s Unique Anatomy
Multiple Structures Working Together
The knee is far more complex than most people realize.
The knee involves:
The Bones
- The thigh bone
- The shin bone
- Secondary lower leg bone
- Patellar bone
Cartilage
- The menisci (two crescent-shaped cushions between femur and tibia)
- Joint surface cartilage
Ligaments
- ACL
- PCL
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- LCL
Tendons
- Quad tendon
- Patellar tendon
- Back thigh tendons
Other Structures
- Bursae
- Lateral knee band
- Knee nerves and vessels
Each of these structures can be injured individually.
Combined Injuries
Multi-structure knee injuries are common. The “unhappy triad” — ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus injuries together — is well-recognized.
Common Knee Injuries
ACL Injuries
ACL injuries are common and often serious. ACL tears typically need reconstruction surgery.
ACL reconstruction surgery using tendon grafts to replace damaged ligament. Recovery is lengthy.
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are a major knee injury type.
Treatment varies by tear type but frequently necessitates arthroscopic intervention.
PCL Injuries
Posterior cruciate ligament injuries cause significant impairment, often resulting from dashboard impact in vehicle crashes.
MCL Injuries
MCL tears may heal with non-surgical treatment.
LCL Injuries
Lateral collateral ligament injuries may require surgical intervention, particularly when part of multi-structure injuries.
Patellar Fractures
Kneecap fractures result from significant impact. Surgical repair often needed.
Patellar Dislocation
Dislocation of the patella can recur if not properly treated.
Tibial Plateau Fractures
Tibial plateau damage can be devastating. Tibial plateau fractures impact the joint surface.
Distal Femur Fractures
Lower thigh bone fractures near the joint require major surgical reconstruction.
Articular Cartilage Damage
Damage to the cartilage covering the joint surfaces accelerates degeneration.
Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries can cause significant disability.
Bursitis
Bursal inflammation develops following injury.
Dislocation of the Knee
Dislocation of the entire knee joint is a true emergency. Threatens vascular and nerve structures.
Compartment Syndrome
Pressure buildup in muscle compartments requires emergency surgical decompression.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents frequently cause knee damage.
Vehicle-related knee injuries include:
- Dashboard impact injuries (causing PCL and other injuries)
- Knee contact with the vehicle
- Twisting trauma
- Crush injuries
Slip-and-Falls and Trip-and-Falls
Falls commonly cause knee injuries. Twisting falls produce specific injury patterns.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace incidents generate knee cases.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Recreation generate knee cases.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Pedestrian/cyclist injuries can cause severe knee damage.
Direct Impact Injuries
Knee strikes generate distinct injury types.
Repetitive Trauma
Long-term wear drive cumulative knee injuries.
Treatment for Knee Injuries
Conservative Treatment
Some knee injuries can be treated conservatively. This includes Initial conservative measures, Pain management drugs, PT, Knee bracing, Reduced activity.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive knee surgery treats various knee conditions. Arthroscopic surgery handles meniscus repair or trimming, cartilage procedures, Cruciate reconstruction, debris removal.
Open Surgery
Open surgical procedures for major repairs.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement may be necessary. Typically reserved for older patients.
Partial Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement addresses limited damage.
Cartilage Restoration Procedures
Cartilage repair techniques may help in some cases.
Special Considerations for Knee Injuries
Future Surgery Risk
Many knee injuries carry risk of future surgery. Failed conservative treatment requires surgery. Failed initial surgery may need revision.
Long-Term Arthritis Risk
Knee injuries significantly increase risk of arthritis. Even injuries that appear to heal well may lead to arthritis.
Activity Modification Required
Knee injury patients often must permanently modify activities. Running, jumping, contact sports, heavy lifting may be permanently restricted.
Career Impact
Career impacts are common for active work.
Damages in Knee Injury Cases
Compensation in these cases include:
- Emergency and initial medical care
- Surgical expenses
- Inpatient care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Continuing care
- Future surgery (often anticipated)
- Additional surgical costs
- Eventual knee replacement
- Earnings affected by injury
- Reduced ability to work
- Non-economic damages
- Loss of consortium
Common Insurance Defenses
“Pre-Existing Conditions”
Prior knee history. MRIs typically show some baseline wear, generating pre-existing arguments. Aggravation is compensable.
“Surgery Wasn’t Necessary”
Defense argues less invasive treatment would have resolved symptoms.
“The Injury Resolved”
Resolution defenses. This defense fails when future surgery is anticipated.
“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 mild knee pain may signal significant damage.
Get Imaging Studies
Initial imaging, then MRI for detailed soft tissue evaluation. Imaging provides essential evidence.
Follow Through With Recommended Treatment
Continuous medical care protects against defense arguments.
Document Functional Impact
Record real-world impact.
Track Surgical Recovery
Post-surgical tracking, document the full recovery process.
Don’t Sign Releases Without Counsel
Knee injuries often have long-term consequences not immediately apparent. Quick settlements often substantially undervalue knee cases.
Attorney Costs
Counsel experienced with knee injury claims earn fees only on recovery. Expert costs run high reimbursed from the recovery.
Move Quickly
Knee injury cases benefit from prompt legal involvement.
Real-time injury documentation builds stronger cases. OK’s statute of limitations applies regardless.
Getting an attorney involved promptly positions the case for the substantial recovery knee injuries often warrant.