Types of Knee Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Personal Injury News | April 17, 2019

The pain and complications caused by knee injuries can prevent many people from walking. Depending on the severity of the injury, some people may need to use cane or wheelchair, which can greatly limit performance at work if a job position requires a lot of walking around. Some people may have to stay at home until they fully recover from the injury or surgery required to repair the injury, or else are unable to return to work indefinitely.

Try talking with a Central New York Personal Injury Attorney if you are concerned about medical expenses or lost wages after a car accident.

How to Recognize a Knee Injury

There are several types of knee injuries, but they all have certain symptoms in common. This makes it easier to recognize when you have a knee injury so that you can seek proper medical attention. Not seeking medical help could potentially worsen your injury. Common symptoms of most knee injuries are:

  • Variations of pain
  • Stiffness that prevents bending of the knee
  • Swelling and bruising discoloration
  • Increased temperature around and on the knee

Other types of knee injuries may involve clicking sounds when you move your knee, burning sensations, a sense of weakness when standing or walking, and knee joint locking. Knee joint locking can make it feel like you cannot move your knee up or down.

Different Types of Knee Injuries

The most common types of knee injuries are fractures, dislocations, anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries, collateral ligament injuries, meniscal tears, and tendon tears. Knee fractures involve breaks in the knee cap and bones that make up the upper and lower leg. Dislocation happens when the knee cap comes out of place and the joint can no longer function.

Types of Knee Injuries Caused by Car AccidentsAnterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries occur when the ligaments supporting the knee joint are torn or stretched. Posterior cruciate ligament injuries are more common in car accidents. Collateral ligament injuries describe the same damage to the ligaments supporting the knee, but these injuries happen when the knee is bent sideways.

Meniscal tears can affect the cushion between the bones of the leg, which can create severe discomfort when walking or bending the knee. Tendon tears happen when tendons connecting the knee muscles are stretched or torn. This can limit movement significantly.

New York Car Accident Lawyer

Knee injuries can take away a person’s ability to walk and hold a steady job that demands physical activity. You may not have to struggle financially with medical bills and lost wages. Try contacting a Camillus Car Accidents Lawyer who can answer any questions you may have about the process of filing a personal injury claim to the insurance company.

At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have been assisting clients for over 50 years in personal injury cases that revolve around car accidents. Our legal services are offered in Syracuse, Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. You can call us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Feel free to voice your concerns and we will do our best to advise you on the next steps to improve your current situation.