Knee Injury

Knees are the largest joints in the body and they’re one of the easiest parts of the body to injure.

They consist of a complex collection of muscles, bones, cartilage, and tendons. When accidents cause injury to any part of the knee, the injury can be extremely painful. 

Causes of knee injuries

Knee injuries are among the most common types of injuries in America. As a particularly sensitive, yet overworked part of the body, our knees are in near-constant risk of accident and injury from our surroundings, or the actions of another.

Since knees are such a delicate part of the body, there are many different ways they can be injured. Sometimes, injuries can be caused by something as simple as twisting the knee in a bad way. But in far too many cases, knee injuries are the result of traumatic accidents in the workplace, out in public, or in many other settings.

Common causes of knee injuries

Common types of knee injuries

Acl injuries

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are one of the most common types of knee injuries. While it’s an injury very commonly associated with athletes, it can also be the result of something like slipping or tripping and falling. Very often, ACL injuries require surgery to help restore function in the knee. It’s also very likely that an ACL injury exists alongside other damage to the knee. According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about half of ACL injuries occur along with other types of knee injuries. 

Pcl & mcl injuries

Posterior collateral ligament (PCL) injuries and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries can both be caused by traumatic accidents. Since PCL injuries occur while the knee is bent, they can easily be caused by something like a car accident. If an accident pushes a knee too far to one side, it could result in an MCL injury. 

Torn cartilage/meniscus tears

Torn cartilage (also known as a meniscus tear) is another type of knee injury often associated with athletes, but it can also occur during events like car accidents. Since knee cartilage often deteriorates with age, older people can be more susceptible to meniscus tears during accidents. Treatment for torn cartilage depends on many different factors, such as the exact type of tear, its location, and the severity of the tear. 

Knee dislocations

A strong force, like a fall or a car accident, can easily knock bones in the knee out of place. In some cases, a dislocation may move back into place on its own or a doctor may be able to manually move it back into place, but it very often requires surgery to correct. 

Bone fractures

Being hit with a strong force can also fracture bones in the knee like the patella, distal femur, and proximal tibia. When bones are fractured in the knee, other types of injuries exist along with it, such as damage to ligaments and nerves. Bone fractures in the knee can often be treated nonsurgically, but surgery may be required in some cases if. Even in cases that can be treated nonsurgically, the recovery process can still make life difficult. 

Bursitis

Bursitis is a type of injury often associated with overuse of a joint, but it can also be caused by traumatic events like car accidents and falls. It’s a condition that occurs when the sacs filled with fluid that help cushion joints, muscles, and tendons become inflamed. When this happens, it can cause painful swelling that makes movement difficult. 

Damages in a knee injury claim

Even a mild knee injury can be extremely painful and make it very hard for a person to go about their day-to-day lives. If you’re interested in making a claim for damages related to a knee injury, some types of damages you can recover include: 

• Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
• Lost income
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering

Contact a Los Angeles knee injury lawyer

Knee injuries can be absolutely debilitating and if you were in an accident that caused a knee injury, you need the help of a knee injury lawyer. At The Wallace Firm, our knee injury lawyers have successfully helped many accident victims just like you and are ready to fight for you to get the compensation you need for your recovery. We’ll be on your side every step of the way. Contact us today for help with your claim.