Knee and Ankles Injuries from Accidents in Kansas City
Knee and ankle injuries from accidents can disrupt a person’s normal daily activities for months. In some cases, these accident injuries result in permanent impairments and disabilities. Our Kansas City personal injury attorneys assist clients in filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits seeking compensation for knee and ankle injuries.
If you have suffered a knee or ankle injury in Missouri or Kansas, below are steps you should consider taking to protect your legal rights. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm in Kansas City at 816-203-0143 for a free, no obligation consultation.
Common Types of Knee and Ankle Injuries
Knee and ankle injuries are common accident injuries. Common types of ankle and knee injuries include:
- Broken & Fractured Bones — Breaks and fractures of the knee may include damage to the kneecap (patella), femur (thigh bone), and tibia (shin bone). All three bones make up the knee joint. There are 14 ankle bones that can be fractured or broken in an accident.
- Meniscus Tears — The meniscus is the cartilage between the thighbone and the shinbone. Tears of the meniscus are common knee injuries. It occurs when the knee is forcefully rotated or twisted. It can cause severe pain and problems with mobility.
- Ankle or Knee Strains and Sprains — The ankle and knee have numerous ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, and other tissues that support and connect the bones. Any trauma to the knee or ankle can cause damage to the soft tissues, which results in strains and sprains.
- ACL and MCL Tears — The ACL and the MCL are ligaments in the knee. These ligaments can be strained or torn when the knee is pushed or twisted in an unnatural position. MCL and ACL tears can result in popping sounds, pain, swelling, and problems putting weight on the knee.
- Knee Bursitis — The bursae (cushion-like sacs) that protect the tendons, bones, and muscles can become inflamed, causing problems moving the knee joint, pain, and swelling.
- Amputations — The loss of the leg or foot either at the ankle or knee.
The above list is not an exhaustive list of knee and ankle injuries. There may be other ankle and knee injuries that occur because of an accident.
Causes of Ankle and Knee Injuries in Missouri & Kansas
Injuries to ankles and knees typically occur when the joints are twisted, pushed, or pulled out of its normal position. Injuries can also occur from a blow to the ankle or knee or when the joints are crushed between two objects.
Knee and ankle injuries can occur in almost any type of accident. However, common accidents that result in ankle and knee injuries include:
Car accidents- Slips, trips, and falls
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Child injuries either at school or in sports
- Bicycle accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Workplace accidents
- Defective product accidents
Falls and car accidents are two of the most common causes of knee and ankle injuries. Sports and recreational activities are also a common cause of knee and ankle injuries.
How are Knee and Ankle Injuries Treated?
Treatment options for a knee or ankle injury depend on the specifics of the injury. Some strains and sprains are treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to help with the swelling and pain.
Tears and other injuries may require more aggressive treatment, including braces and surgery. For severe fractures, permanent hardware, such as pins, plates, and screws, may be used to secure and strengthen the area where the fracture occurred. The person may not be able to use their leg for weeks or months. They may need wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches for some time.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to help a person regain strength and mobility after an ankle injury or knee injury. Therapy can increase the recovery time, meaning the person may lose additional time from work and incur larger medical bills.
It is important to see a doctor whenever you experience knee or ankle pain after an accident. You could have a torn muscle, sprain, or other injuries that may become worse without adequate treatment. If you are injured in an accident and require medical care, delays in seeing a doctor could hurt your chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries.
What Compensation Is Available for Knee and Ankle Injury Claims?
Medical expenses and loss of income are the two most common damages incurred because of knee and ankle injuries. The medical expenses for treating a severe knee or ankle injury may include:
- Ambulance services
- Emergency room costs
- Hospitalizations
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medications and medical equipment
- Personal care
During recovery, most people are unable to work. The loss of income over several weeks or months can be significant in these types of injury cases.
In addition to the financial or out-of-pocket costs associated with the accident and injury, a person may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the person sustains a permanent impairment or disability, the person may also be entitled to compensation for future damages, including diminished earning capacity.
Many factors are considered in determining the value of a knee and ankle injury claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine what is a fair settlement for your particular knee or ankle injury case.
Contact Our Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
The cost of an ankle or knee injury caused by an accident can be high. In addition, victims suffer through severe pain and emotional distress because of the injury.
The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus wants to help you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident. Call 816-203-0143 for a free consultation with a Kansas City accident attorney. Our law firm handles personal injury cases throughout Kansas and Missouri and would be happy to hear from you and try to help.
In addition, please download a free PDF copy of our special report, Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Injury Claim Without Going to Court. This guide is packed with helpful tips on how to maximize your injury settlement. Whatever you choose to do, you should act quickly as deadlines apply to all injury claims and the failure to act can bar your right to recovery.
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