Have you or a loved one suffered a knee injury?
Our New York City knee injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you need. We contend not only for justice for your injury but also for the emotional suffering that you have suffered after your injury. Call Goldberg & Loren at (646) 719-0444 for a free consultation with a knee injury attorney today.
Types of Knee Injuries in NYC
There are various types of knee injuries that an individual can experience, ranging in severity from mild to severe such as:
- Broken Knee Bones
- Dislocation
- Torn Ligaments & Tendons
- Torn Meniscus
Broken Knee Bones
A broken bone in a knee can significantly affect the range of motion, causing severe pain and discomfort.
Treatment options may generally include surgical procedures to help restore the knee's structural integrity.
Dislocation
Knee dislocation happens when the knee joint is forcibly moved out of its socket, causing physical pain and significant damage to the surrounding tissues. This type of injury is commonly seen in:
- Slip and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports accidents
Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the knee joint.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus in the knee is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion for your bones to reduce friction during movement.
Torn meniscus often occurs due to a twisting motion of the knee, causing severe pain and discomfort. Sports activities such as football and basketball increase the risk of meniscus tears.
Surgical treatment for a torn meniscus may include arthroscopic surgery to remove the damaged tissue.
Common Causes of Knee Injury in New York
Knee injuries can happen in various ways, from sports activities to slip and falls. Other common causes of knee injuries are:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
Understanding the potential risks associated with each of these scenarios is helpful in preventing avoidable knee injuries.
Car Accidents
The knee joint can be severely damaged by the impact of a car accident. The knee may slam directly into the body of the car upon impact, and this can result in a hairline fracture of the kneecap or even a compound fracture.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles can cause severe knee injuries, particularly in cases where the vehicle strikes the knee joint directly. The force of the impact can cause fractures, dislocations, or other severe injuries that can make it difficult to walk or perform everyday activities.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals have a duty to provide proper care and treatment to patients. However, mistakes can happen, leading to knee injuries due to:
- Defective devices
- Improper treatments
- Misdiagnoses
- Medical procedures that cause further damage to the knee joint
- Surgical errors during knee replacement surgeries
Medical malpractice cases require a NYC personal injury lawyer to help patients seek compensation for their injuries. When orthopedic surgery malpractice occurs, often additional surgeries are required, or permanent conditions may result.
Symptoms of Knee Injury
Knee injuries can cause severe pain and discomfort that can range from mild to debilitating. Symptoms of a knee injury can vary depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Some of the most frequent symptoms associated with knee injuries include:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Swelling or redness around the knee
Severe Pain and Discomfort
One of the most challenging aspects of a knee injury is the severe pain and discomfort that often accompanies it. This pain can range from sharp and stabbing to a constant, dull ache that can persist even when at rest.
The pain can seem unbearable and cause significant distress, making it difficult to concentrate or focus on everyday activities.
Severe pain and discomfort from a large joint injury can make it challenging to move the joint, hindering mobility and causing walking difficulties.
This is especially true for injuries affecting the knee joint's hinge mechanism, affecting the knee's flexion and extension. Acute knee injuries can limit our range of motion and cause stiffness and instability, which can lead to further discomfort and pain.
Swelling and redness around the knee joint are additional symptoms associated with traumatic knee injuries. Swelling is usually a result of damage to the soft tissues, such as tendons or ligaments.
This swelling can cause pressure in and around the knee joint, which can contribute to the severity of the pain and discomfort.
Pain management is essential in allowing patients to undertake necessary activities and conduct normal daily routines with an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Rehabilitation, including activities such as exercises and physical therapy, is crucial to build strength in the knee and prevent long-term joint damage. With medical treatment and rehabilitation, a gradual reduction in pain and improvement in movement and mobility can be achieved, allowing for a more comfortable and functional daily life.
Difficulty Moving the Joint
Knee injuries can significantly impact mobility, causing difficulty moving the joint in various ways. One of the most common issues associated with knee injuries is the inability to fully extend the leg, affecting activities such as walking and running.
This symptom often arises from a ligament injury and can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
Difficulty bending the knee is another common symptom of knee injuries. This condition makes it hard to sit or squat, limiting everyday activities. Conditions that can cause difficulty bending the knee include arthritis and meniscus tears.
Knee injuries can also lead to instability while walking or standing, which is especially dangerous as it can increase the risk of accidents related to falls and slips.
Dislocation, fractures and sprains can all cause instability in the knee joint.
Decreased Range of Motion
A full range of motion is necessary for walking, running, kicking, and sitting comfortably. Decreased range of motion can occur from the injury itself or a lack of appropriate rehabilitation after surgery.
The average person should be able to extend and bend their legs through a range of about 130 degrees. Studies have shown that a reduction in range by as little as three to five degrees correlates with increased pain and patient dissatisfaction after surgery. [1]
Swelling or Redness Around the Knee
Swelling and redness around the knee are frequent symptoms that may indicate a range of injuries, including torn ligaments, fractures and dislocations.
These symptoms can occur due to sports injuries or in accidents.
Swelling around the knee can be caused by fluid buildup, which happens when the body's natural response to an injury increases blood flow to the affected area. Torn ligaments and fractures can cause significant swelling around the knee.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience swelling or redness around the knee, as these symptoms could be indicative of a severe injury. A qualified medical professional can accurately diagnose the injury and provide appropriate treatment.
Contact Our Experienced NYC Burn Injury Attorneys Today
If you have suffered a major knee injury due to the negligence of another party, it is important to contact an experienced New York City knee injury lawyer. Our knee injury attorneys have over 32 years of experience. Whether your injury is the result of a defective device, unsafe conditions at work or perhaps you are an accident victim-there is compensation available to you.
At Goldberg & Loren, our legal team of dedicated personal injury attorneys can provide comprehensive legal advice, legal action assistance and will help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Responsible parties will be held liable for medical costs, dangerous conditions and pain and suffering experienced.
Our team has years of experience in handling knee injury lawsuits, so you can rest assured that we will aggressively fight for your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free knee injury claim evaluation.
Source:
[1] J. (2018, September 10). Regaining Full Range of Motion After Knee Surgery | The Jackson Clinics, Physical Therapy. Regaining Full Range of Motion After Knee Surgery | the Jackson Clinics, Physical Therapy.
https://thejacksonclinics.com/regaining-full-range-of-motion-after-knee-surgery/
