Knee injuries are common in many types of accidents. They can be very painful and debilitating, followed by costly medical bills. This can be difficult and unfair to have to cover huge bills while trying to recover, especially if the accident causing the injuries was not your fault. You can get compensation to cover the injuries and losses you sustain after an accident.
The best way to get compensation is by working with a North Miami Beach knee injury lawyer. A lawyer will put your interests first and ensure the responsible party pays for their actions. Lawyers with knee injury case experience will be able to counsel you on your legal options. Be sure to ask to see their case results to see their previous performance on personal injury cases and see if they are the right fit for you.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries
The knee is strong but unfortunately susceptible to injuries, especially from any sudden high impact sustained. Some of the common causes of knee injuries are:
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles have little protection, leaving their riders vulnerable to an accident. A bicycle accident involving a car or truck focuses all its impact on the bicyclist. The impact from the collision or from where they land can hurt their knees. Some of the common injuries from bicycle accidents are fractured or broken knees.
Car Accidents
Even though cars have more protection, they can also leave their victims vulnerable to knee injuries. You might get trapped between the car seat and the dashboard or have your upper body move while your knees stay still. This can result in injuries like a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.
Construction Accidents
Some construction work requires a lot of heavy lifting. Lifting too much at once or using the wrong lifting procedure puts too much pressure on your knees. This can cause swelling or bruising that can indicate more serious damage.
Construction sites also house different equipment and materials. Poorly secured materials can fall on you, or faulty equipment can malfunction while using it, resulting in a construction accident. Talk to a North Miami Beach knee injury lawyer to find out how you can get compensation if you hurt yourself on a construction site.
Trips and Falls
We all have to be careful about where we place our things, especially in the workplace. Items left out can be hazardous, as someone can trip and seriously hurt themselves. Accidents can happen if a building manager or owner did not take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety; such as placing hazard signs, replacing damaged railings and installing the appropriate flooring.
Premises Liability
Building owners, employers, and business owners must ensure their premises follow the set building codes. A poorly maintained building can cause accidents. You can file a premises liability lawsuit if you hurt yourself in a building that doesn't follow the proper rules.
Treatment for Knee Injuries
Knee injuries vary according to the degree of pain and severity of the injury. Some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, don't need much treatment. The best way to let these injuries heal is by resting, using ice, compression, and elevation. You might also need some physical therapy and other strengthening exercises to help heal your knees back to its previous capabilities.
However, there are more severe injuries, such as fractures or sprains and strains. These require a more in-depth treatment for the knee to recover. They might require surgical intervention and months of rehabilitation before they can start functioning again.
Treatment decisions vary, and you can ask your doctor for the one that suits your injury best. The decision also depends on the functioning expectation for your knee after recovery. Consult with your doctor to ensure you get the treatment to aid you in your recovery journey.
Knee Injury Settlements
Settlements for knee injuries vary depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case. However, a more serious injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, is more likely to get a larger settlement than a soft tissue injury. Some of the other factors determining your knee injury settlement include:
Nature, Severity and Duration of the Injury
Knee injuries range from the mildest bruises to more severe ones, like torn ligaments and meniscus tears. The longer-lasting and severe an injury, the more likely you will get higher compensation. Injuries that need more extensive treatments, such as those requiring surgeries, have more value than injuries requiring standard physical therapy.
It is important to have your medical bills and any other related receipts as proof when filing for compensation. Ask your North Miami Beach knee injury lawyer what factors can undermine your claim. Your claim's value can be lower if you have a pre-existing knee injury. The insurance company or at-fault party might conclude that their actions are not wholly responsible for your injuries, so they should not give full coverage for your pain and suffering.
Liability Factor
The amount of blame you share for the accident can also affect your compensation. Cases with comparative negligence have lower settlements than those where the defendant is completely liable for the accident.
You should also have enough proof supporting your claim. Little to no proof jeopardizes your chances at a worthwhile compensation. It gives the defendant more room to counter your claim, and they might be unwilling to settle. Work closely with your North Miami Beach knee injury lawyer to gather as much evidence supporting your case as possible.
Recoverable Damages
The insurance company or liable party will use the above factors to calculate the amount of compensation you can receive. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf to ensure the settlement amount is enough to cover all your damages. Some of the damages you may be able to recover for your injuries include:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological and physical therapy
Contact Dolman Law Group
Our North Miami Beach knee injury lawyers will work on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve in your case and ensure no one takes advantage of you. Let us help you file a claim for all damages related to your knee injury to pursue a fair settlement. Contact the Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation.
North Miami Beach Office
1820 NE 163rd St #306,
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 676-8154