Although knee injuries might not seem as grave as other injuries, they can significantly hinder one’s quality of life, bringing about considerable pain and discomfort. Moreover, the financial burden of medical treatments for such injuries can be overwhelming. If you’ve suffered a knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, such as in a vehicle collision, you might be entitled to financial restitution to cover your incurred damages and losses.

At Florida Legal, our expertise lies in securing settlements for knee injury cases. Over the years, we’ve helped numerous clients achieve the maximum compensation they rightfully deserve. Our skilled team is committed to managing your case with the highest level of dedication. Should you or someone you know endure a knee injury from an accident, we invite you to reach out to our Miami personal injury lawyer for a complimentary consultation. We’re here to offer the support you need.

The Link Between Car Accidents and Knee Injuries

Knee injuries from car accidents fall into several categories, including sideswipe, head-on collisions, and rollovers. It’s vital to understand how these common types of accidents can lead to knee damage to enhance safety while driving.

A common injury known as ‘dashboard knee’ happens when the knee of a driver or passenger forcefully hits the dashboard or is bent unnaturally. Injuries can range from minor bruising to severe soft-tissue damage, which are unfortunately frequent and can profoundly affect the victims.

Studies show that dashboard knee injuries are notably common. In an analysis of 74 car accidents involving 222 people, 57 suffered from 69 dashboard knee injuries. These findings highlight the prevalence of such injuries in vehicle collisions.

Although seatbelts can mitigate the severity of injuries in an accident, they may not entirely prevent knee injuries. The dashboard’s impact often directly damages the patella and ligaments during a collision. Without adequate protection from a proper restraint system, the lower limbs and joints are at significant risk of injury.

Being aware of the risks of knee injuries in car accidents and taking preventive measures is crucial for driver and passenger safety.

Common Types of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries significantly affect the ligaments, tendons, and bursae surrounding the knee joint, as well as the bones, cartilage, and ligaments within this crucial joint. Fortunately, here are some of the most frequently observed injuries in this region:

ACL Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a crucial connective tissue linking the femur to the tibia, often suffers tears from abrupt directional shifts during athletic endeavors. Consequently, athletes engaged in these activities are experiencing a rising incidence of injuries.

Fractures

Knee injuries sustained in car accidents pose a significant danger, including the risk of shattered kneecaps (patella) and various fractures. If you’ve suffered a knee fracture due to a car accident, it’s crucial to contact our personal injury lawyer immediately.

Meniscus Tear

Nestled between the thighbone and shinbone, the meniscus stands out as a piece of cartilage that masterfully blends strength with suppleness. Serving as a protective buffer, it effectively dissipates shocks and impacts. Nonetheless, this vital component is prone to injury during instances of abrupt knee rotation under load.

Knee Bursitis

When inflammation happens in the bursae, which are small sacs of fluid that safeguard the knee joint and enable ligaments and tendons to move smoothly over it, it can lead to considerable discomfort.

Patellar Tendinitis

This condition often stems from the inflammation or irritation of one or more tendons. In particular, injuries to the patellar tendon—which links the kneecap to the shinbone, enabling activities such as running, jumping, and kicking—are frequent culprits of this ailment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Symptoms Of Knee Injuries?

Symptoms of injuries to the dashboard knee, particularly those that involve a tear in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), can differ based on the severity and specifics of the injury. Symptoms may include:

• Varying degrees of swelling or redness
• Pain or discomfort in the knee
• A feeling of instability or wobbliness in the knee
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected knee

It’s important to be vigilant for signs of a knee injury, which can encompass:

• Stiffness or unusual soreness
• A limited range of motion, such as difficulty bending
• Pain in or around the kneecap
• A sensation of instability in the knee
• Tenderness upon touching

To accurately diagnose a knee injury, it is often necessary to obtain an MRI or an X-ray. Following any trauma, immediate rest for the injured joint is crucial not only for your well-being but also to allow for an accurate assessment by a healthcare provider. This approach ensures a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis.

What Is The Average Settlement For A Knee Injury Worth?

Having grasped the basics, it’s crucial to delve deeper into your case to understand the potential value of a knee injury settlement. Though there’s no exact formula, several key factors can guide you in estimating a ballpark figure.

The valuation of your claim primarily hinges on two aspects: the severity of the knee injury and the potential for a jury to rule in your favor. The severity factor includes medical costs such as medications, surgery, and physical therapy, in addition to considerations for pain and suffering or lost wages.

Your negotiating leverage is influenced by the likelihood of achieving a favorable jury verdict. To give you an idea, here’s what you might expect to pay for common knee treatments:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery: $20,000 to $50,000.
• Meniscus surgery: $7,400 to $9,000.
• Treatment or surgery for a Dislocated Patella: $1,000 to $16,000.

What Compensation Is Available For Knee Injuries?

If you’ve suffered a knee injury, you might be entitled to compensation. At Florida Legal, we excel in helping our clients secure significant financial recompense for a broad range of knee injuries. Our expertise is focused on aiding individuals to obtain compensation for the damages they have incurred.

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage

Contact Our Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered injuries from an auto accident through no fault of your own and are contemplating filing a claim, contact Florida Legal without delay for a free case evaluation. Our experienced personal injury attorney will meticulously assess your case details and offer an estimate of the possible settlement. Reach out to our office now for a complimentary consultation and learn how we can assist you.