There are many serious injuries that may result from a car accident, but the loss of mobility that comes from a knee injury is all-too-common. Most people do not think about the impact that a knee absorbs every day until damage to the joint leads to an inability to carry out the most basic activities, such as taking your child to the park or driving to work. When that harm is caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to ensure that any settlement or award covers the lengthy recovery process and any future surgeries that may be necessary.
In a car accident, the impact forces of the crash may lead the driver or passenger’s knees to be thrust forward into the solid frame of the car, regardless of whether or not the airbags deployed. Many different injuries may result from this violent action, including:
- Fractured or broken bones – whether the bones of the knee or the surrounding areas, these injuries may require months of medical treatment and rehabilitation;
- Hyperextension of the ligaments in the knee which leads to stretching, ripping, and tearing – a person who is twisted in the wreck may experience this type of harm. There are two common types of ligament injury:
- o Damage to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – This is a very serious injury that causes the victim extreme pain and loss of mobility. Surgery often is necessary with this type of injury and the person may never regain full use of the joint, even with intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy; and
- o Damage to the Posterior Collateral Ligament (PCL) – Connecting the tibia to the femur, this ligament at the back of the knee prevents the tibia from extending backwards too far. Often, it is damaged when a person sitting in a vehicle with his knees bent impacts the dashboard. A PCL injury is very painful and may lead to the collapse of the knee while the victim is walking, resulting in serious falls.
- Ruptured tendons; and
- Dislocation of the knee.
A victim of a car accident may be entitled to compensation for the harm that he suffered. The types of economic losses that may be recovered include:
- Medical expenses – These include the immediate costs of emergency medical treatment as well as the bills that come with long-term medical care and rehabilitation. They should take into account the possibility of additional surgeries as the damaged knee joint deteriorates. There also needs to be compensation for necessary equipment that must be purchased as a result of the accident.
- Lost wages – A person may suffer from a loss of a paycheck as the result of time spent in recovery. If the victim cannot return to the job that he held before the accident, then the settlement or jury award must reflect this changed circumstance, including the loss of reasonably anticipated future wages and benefits.
- Miscellaneous costs – There are a myriad of additional costs that result from a severe crash, including alternative transportation costs and the need for professional help to assist the victim in doing things that he could have done himself prior to the crash.
In addition to these damages, a person who has suffered from extreme pain and the permanent alteration of his life brought about by a serious knee injury may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. These are considered non-economic damages and are intended to cover at least some of the emotional pain that results from a severe injury. Many times, people do not realize the devastation that a severe crash may bring until they cannot play with their children or climb the stairs without being in agony.
The victim of a car accident who has endured a debilitating injury needs attorneys who will fight on his behalf. The hardworking and experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have the skill and commitment to get you the best results possible. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (800) 707-9577.