California Knee Injury Lawyer

Causes Of Knee Injuries

The knee is a complex joint, and its injuries can arise from various situations. Here’s a more in-depth look at common causes:

• Slip And Falls: Factors such as improper signage for wet floors, poorly maintained walkways, or even insufficient lighting can lead to slip-and-fall accidents. These incidents account for numerous knee injuries each year.
• Car Accidents: High-speed collisions or even minor fender benders can result in substantial knee damage due to the force exerted upon impact.
• Workplace Accidents: Heavy machinery, falls from height, or merely overexertion can all lead to knee-related injuries at work.
• Sports Injuries: Intense physical activities, inadequate training, or improper gear can all contribute to knee injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: Incorrect surgical procedures, misdiagnosis, or even wrong medication can aggravate or cause knee conditions. Medical negligence affects millions of Americans annually.

Understanding Liability: Who’s At Fault?

Laying the blame isn’t always straightforward. Understanding who might be liable is a complex process, often requiring expert insight:

• Property Owners: As per California’s stringent premises liability laws, if a property owner’s negligence leads to an injury, they are often held accountable.
• At-Fault Drivers: Should another driver be responsible for an accident that injures your knee, they would typically bear the liability.
• Employers: If you’ve been injured at work, the compensation often comes from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, certain situations, such as intentional harm or negligence, can lead to direct lawsuits against employers.
• Manufacturers: If a defective product, such as malfunctioning sports gear or flawed medical equipment, causes your injury, the product manufacturer might be held liable.
• Medical Professionals: In cases of medical negligence, the health professional or the institution may be at fault.

The Legal Landscape: Lawsuits & Insurance Claims

Understanding your legal options is pivotal when considering compensation claims:

• Navigating Insurance Claims: If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. You’ll need this for an insurance claim. And remember that insurance companies, especially those of at-fault drivers, might attempt to minimize your claim’s value, which is why it makes sense to discuss your situation with an injury lawyer before corresponding with the insurance company.
• Initiating Personal Injury Lawsuits: Beyond insurance claims, victims have the right to file a lawsuit. As per the California Civil Code § 1714, parties responsible for any injury due to negligence are held accountable. It’s essential to act promptly, given the statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1, which gives personal injury victims two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit.

The Importance Of Legal Representation

Handling knee injury cases requires significant knowledge and professional experience. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help:

• Evaluate the worth of your claim
• Navigate complex legal terrain
• Advocate for your rights during negotiations or trial

Types Of Knee Injuries

Certainly, the knee is one of the body’s most intricate joints, comprising bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Given its complexity and importance in mobility, it’s vulnerable to various injuries. The causes of many such injuries are legally actionable.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury: This is one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes. The ACL can be stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. A complete tear is often referred to as an ACL rupture.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury: Less common than ACL injuries, it often results from a direct impact to the front of the knee, like in car accidents.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury: This injury is often due to direct blows or sudden shifts in direction.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury: Less common than MCL injuries, the LCL can be damaged from an external force pushing the knee from the inside out.
• Meniscal Tears: The menisci are two pieces of cartilage that cushion the space between the shinbone and the thighbone. They can tear from both aging and trauma, resulting in pain and swelling.
• Tendon Injuries: Tendons are tissues connecting muscles to bones. Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) or a ruptured tendon in the knee can result from overuse, misalignment, and direct hits.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Often called “jumper’s knee,” this involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which attaches the kneecap to the shinbone.
• Dislocated Kneecap (Patellar Dislocation): This injury occurs when the patella (kneecap) moves out of its normal position, often seen after direct trauma or sudden change in direction.
• Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. Repetitive motion or prolonged kneeling can irritate the bursae, leading to inflammation.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh. It can become inflamed due to overuse, causing pain on the outside of the knee.
• Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear-and-tear arthritis,” osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee deteriorates over time, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Fractures: The bones of the knee, including the patella, femur (thighbone), or tibia (shinbone), can break during high-impact accidents, such as falls or car collisions.
• Chondromalacia Patella (Runner’s Knee): This condition is characterized by the softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the patella, causing pain at the front of the knee.

Each of these injuries can manifest with varying symptoms, and their severity can range from mild to severe. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential in ensuring a quick recovery and preventing potential complications.

Secure Your Future With A Trusted Personal Injury Attorney

Closing Thoughts From Our Knee Injury Attorneys

​Knee injuries, given their potential for long-term impact, deserve serious attention, both medically and legally. If you’ve been injured, take proactive steps to understand your rights and the remedies available to you. Start by seeking informed legal guidance from a knee injury lawyer.

The Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC is here to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve in a knee injury case. Based in CA, our knee injury attorneys have built a strong reputation for getting results. Don’t wait—every moment counts. Call our personal injury lawyer team now at (888) 848-5084 or contact us online for a free consultation.