Why You Need an Experienced Knee Injury Lawyer Austin

Knee injuries can be debilitating. When you can’t put full weight on the joint, you tend to compensate by leaning on your other leg – and that uneven load puts you at greater risk of falling and getting hurt again. Many people find it hard to drive or even get around while recovering from a knee injury.

A knee injury lawyer investigates the circumstances of the injury, gathers evidence, and advocates for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs – negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation when needed.

While knee pain can come from everyday wear and tear, the most common cause is injury – from sports, a workplace incident, a slip and fall, or a car accident. A sudden injury may result from a direct hit to the knee against a car dashboard, or from twisting, bending, or falling wrong.

Structure of the Knee and Common Injuries

The knee joint relies on bones, ligaments, and cartilage working together. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) cross inside the joint, controlling its back-and-forth motion and providing stability. Between the upper and lower leg bones sit the menisci – cartilage discs that act as shock absorbers during everyday activities like walking and running.

Common knee injuries include overuse injuries, sprains and strains, ACL or PCL tears, fractures, and kneecap dislocation (most common in teenage girls). A sprain or strain stretches or tears the ligaments and tendons supporting the kneecap, depending on the force involved in a collision. A fracture of the kneecap, femur, tibia, or fibula usually results from abnormal force – a fall onto the knee, a severe twisting motion, or a direct hit in a car accident. A meniscus tear happens when impact force tears or ruptures the cartilage behind the knee; a slight tear causes moderate discomfort, while a full rupture is significantly more painful.

Knee Injury Treatment

Treatment ranges from ice and rest to surgery, depending on the location, type, and severity of the injury. Seek medical attention right away if you can’t put weight on the knee or straighten it, if you have severe pain or increased swelling within 30 minutes of the injury, if swelling and pain don’t improve after two days of home care, or if you notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in the joint.

Liability Insurance for Knee Injuries on Someone Else’s Property

If you suffered a knee injury on someone else’s property due to negligence or unsafe conditions, a liability claim against the property owner’s insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. That typically means filing a claim with the owner’s insurer, gathering photos, medical records, and witness statements, and going through an insurance adjuster’s evaluation of negligence and liability. A knee injury lawyer can help present that claim effectively and push for a fair settlement.

Talk to a Knee Injury Lawyer in Austin

If you suffered a knee injury in a car crash or slip and fall, contact our knee injury lawyer Austin to see whether you may have a claim. Call (512) 246-9191 or complete the contact form.