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Knee injuries can result from falls, collisions, and from repetitive use during your work hours. Sometimes, sudden twisting, or changes in speed or direction can damage a knee. Whether a muscle tear or a broken bone, anyone suffering a knee injury due to someone’s negligence should contact a Chicago knee injury lawyer to discuss possible compensation. McCready Law has talented catastrophic injury attorneys ready to work on your behalf.
Knee sprains or strains can lead to declining knee function and chronic pain if left untreated. When ligaments and tendons do not heal properly, they weaken the knee’s support system, increasing the risk of additional injuries. Although sprains and strains are often treated at home, injured individuals should seek medical attention to ensure the injury is properly diagnosed.
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, usually from repetitive actions or overextension. Patella tendonitis is also known as jumper’s knee because repeated hard impacts, such as jumping, can damage tendons. Repetitive use injuries are often work-related.
Mild tendonitis may be treated with physical therapy, icing, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. Injured tendons can take months to heal, but if left untreated, they weaken, increasing the risk of a tear that requires surgery.
Tears in knee cartilage often require surgery. For example, knee pain from a torn ACL can incapacitate someone for months. Meniscus tears damage the cartilage between the femur (thigh) and tibia (leg), making it impossible to move the knee without pain.
Knee injuries involving fractures or broken bones often happen during car accidents or collisions where more pressure is applied than the knee can support. Patella dislocation frequently happens when the surrounding muscles are weakened.
Compromised knees can make the simplest movements extremely painful. In some cases, the results can be temporary or permanent disabilities. A knee injury lawyer in Chicago can investigate the injury and gather evidence to help injured parties pursue compensation.
Injured employees should file a workers’ compensation claim if the injury happened while at work. If not work-related, the injured party may file an insurance claim or initiate a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party after consulting with legal counsel.
Regardless of where the injury occurred, injured parties should gather evidence such as witness statements and pictures, collect contact information from those involved, and request all medical records to support injury claims. Attorneys can also search for evidence to use in a claim. Those suffering from knee injuries should keep all medical appointments and contact a skilled Chicago attorney before speaking with an insurance representative.
Financial compensation depends on the severity of the injury, but most individuals can recover medical expenses and lost wages. Those filing a personal injury claim may also be eligible for pain and suffering compensation. However, injured people can lose their right to compensation if they do not file a claim with their employer within 45 days of the incident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
Waiting too long to file can weaken your case, as witnesses may not be available, or the accident scene may have changed. The best possible chance for success depends on the evidence. If crucial information is missing because of delays, the chances of a positive outcome decline.
Knee injury claims can be more complex than they seem. With three bones terminating at the knee, damage can be extensive, resulting in surgery and intense physical therapy. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s poor conduct, contact a Chicago knee injury lawyer for help. McCready Law stands ready to assist you in any way we can.