Knee Injuries

The knee is a large and complex joint that allows stability and flexibility. Unfortunately, the knee is also particularly vulnerable to trauma, such as dislocations, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. A severe knee injury can impact many aspects of your life. Knee injuries are painful and can result in costly medical care, time away from work, and difficulty with day-to-day activities.

If you suffered a knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable attorney can help you hold negligent parties accountable and demand the money you are owed for your losses. We have helped thousands of people recover sizeable verdicts and settlements.

At Mann Wyatt Tanksley, our knee injury lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience standing up for the rights of injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri & Colorado. Contact us today to learn how we can help you seek justice in a free initial consultation.

What Causes Knee Injuries?

Knee injuries are typically caused by direct trauma to the knee or unnatural twisting or bending. Common causes of knee injuries include the following:

• Motor vehicle accidents — Knees are particularly vulnerable in rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and T-bone accidents. Vehicle occupants frequently suffer knee injuries when their knees are slammed into vehicle consoles or crushed by crumpling door frames.
• Workplace injuries — Workers in almost any industry are prone to on-the-job knee injuries. Falls from heights, falling objects, and equipment accidents can cause severe knee injuries. Many workplace knee injuries result from overexertion or repetitive motion strain.
• Slips, trips, and falls — When property owners fail to keep their premises safe, visitors can slip and fall on unattended spills, uneven flooring, or unsafe steps or stairs.
• Sports and recreational injuries — High-impact sports such as football, skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding frequently cause severe injuries.

Types of Knee Injuries Our Kansas Injury Lawyers Handle

Here are some of the most common types of knee injuries our personal injury attorneys see in the Kansas injury cases we handle:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries — The ACL is a ligament through the center of the knee that stabilizes the knee joint. ACL injuries commonly occur in sports and recreational accidents, especially among athletes. People who suffer ACL injuries can typically walk, but their knees often feel unstable and may give out unexpectedly.
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries — The PCL is located just behind the ACL, connecting the thigh-bone to the shinbone on the inside of the knee. PCL injuries commonly occur due to blunt-force trauma to the front of the knee, especially when the knee is bent. Common causes of PCL injuries include car accidents and high-impact sporting accidents.
• Collateral ligament injuries — The collateral knee ligaments are located on the outer edges of the knee joint, connecting the upper and lower half of the leg. Collateral ligament injuries typically occur when violent blows to the outside of the knee push the knee sideways.
• Meniscal tears — The meniscus is a curved pad of rubbery cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee. Meniscal tears most commonly occur due to violent twisting or pivoting forces. They can also happen due to arthritis and age-related wear and tear.
• Tendon tears — Tendons are a particular type of soft tissue that attach muscles to bones. The quadriceps and patellar tendons are located in the knee and can be damaged or torn in sports accidents or falls. Common causes of tendon tears in the knee include blunt-force trauma to the front of the knee and landing badly after a jump.
• Fractures — The most common type of knee fracture is a fracture of the patella or kneecap. Knee fractures are usually caused by high-impact trauma, such as car accidents or falls from heights.
• Dislocations — A dislocated knee occurs when the bones of the knee are partially or entirely forced out of alignment. Similar to fractures, dislocations are often caused by severe blunt-force trauma from motor vehicle crashes, high-impact sports, and falls from heights.

Treatment for Knee Injuries

Minor to moderate knee injuries can often heal with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. However, if a knee injury is severe or does not improve over time, the following treatments may be necessary:

• Prescription drugs — Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or steroidal injections to relieve swelling and discomfort for severe knee pain.
• Immobilization — Doctors sometimes recommend braces or casts to immobilize the knee and prevent further damage while it heals. Crutches keep weight off of the knee.
• Physical therapy — Physical therapists can prescribe special exercises to strengthen the knee muscles and restore range of motion.
• Surgery — In especially severe cases, surgeons may need to operate to replace damaged structures or repair knee injuries that are resistant to external treatment.

Compensation Available in Kansas Knee Injury Claims

If you suffer a knee injury in a Kansas accident, you may be entitled to compensation from a personal injury claim, such as the following:

• The total value of your lost wages
• The projected value of losses in your future earning potential
• The intangible cost of your pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
• Repair or replacement costs for personal property damage

Talk to an Experienced Knee Injury Lawyer in Kansas Today

If you need help from a Kansas knee injury lawyer, look no further than the award-winning team at Mann Wyatt Tanksley. Our compassionate attorneys can answer your questions and explain your legal options when you contact us for a free initial case review.