Knee Injuries

Knee Injuries are a frequent result of automobile accidents, trip and fall accidents, and construction accidents. For example, in a slip or trip and fall accident, when a person slips and twists his or her knee in an awkward manner, this often results in devastating injuries including tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament, or the posterior cruciate ligament. The anterior cruciate ligament supports and stabilizes the knee, and a rupture of this ligament can lead to complex surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Another frequent knee injury is a tear of the meniscus, which is a cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is a rubbery disc that cushions the knee. There are two menisci in each knee, a lateral meniscus, on the outer edge of the knee, and a medial meniscus on the inside of the knee. Meniscus tears are generally caused by a twisting or turning rapidly. Fortunately, the repair of a torn meniscus is a much simpler procedure than the surgical repair of the anterior cruciate ligament, and the patient can return to full activity in a matter of weeks, rather than the several months that is required in the repair and rehabilitation of an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The knee is comprised of tendons, which connect muscles to bones, ligaments, which is strong connective tissue that connects the ends of bones, and cartilage, which has no nerves or blood supply. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the femur and the tibia. Three bones come together to create the knee joint: the thighbone, or femur; the shinbone, or tibia; and the kneecap, also known as the patella.

For more severe knee conditions and injuries, and in cases where there have been repeat or multiple knee injuries, sometimes knee replacement is necessitated. This generally entails several days in the hospital, followed by one to two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, including aggressive occupational and physical therapy. Often, following the inpatient rehab, the person requires continuing therapy at home with a visiting nurse or therapist.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we have represented numerous clients since 1986 who have suffered severe knee injuries in auto accidents, trip and falls, motorcycle accidents, construction accidents or as the result of medical malpractice. Our experienced litigators have the necessary knowledge and background to prepare our clients’ cases to maximize their compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings and earnings potential, past and future medical and hospital expenses, and loss of enjoyment of life. We also take into account in our assessment of many cases that there is the possibility that the client will no longer be able to engage in rigorous activities such as playing basketball, football or other activities which require a stable knee joint. Further, we know that it is often inevitable, even in the best of outcomes, that the client will develop arthritis, and this must be factored into the damage calculations.

For a free consultation to discuss your case in detail and how our firm can provide legal assistance, contact us anytime at (914) 428-7386 or online.