Knee injuries occur when a significant amount of force is applied to the knee joint. Some of the most common causes of knee injuries include car accidents, slip-and-falls, and workplace accidents. A knee injury can also happen while playing sports or walking as a pedestrian. It’s crucial to prove how a knee injury occurred and who is responsible. Gathering as much evidence as possible is beneficial if you’re considering a legal claim.
New Roads Knee Injury Lawyer
New Roads Knee Injury Attorney
Knee injuries can affect your ability to work, move, and live independently without pain. They can also result in medical bills and the need to go through extensive recovery processes like physical therapy, which could also lead to missing out on employment wages. Our expert lawyers team at Murphy Law Firm is here to offer you the support you need to make a complete recovery, especially if your injury is a result of negligence. A skilled New Roads knee injury lawyer from our team can help you navigate the legal process, fight for fair compensation, and ensure you are not left to bear the financial burden of someone else’s actions.
How Do Knee Injuries Happen?
Unfortunately, knee injuries are common occurrences that can happen in many different situations, including:
- Car Accidents: If your knee hits the dashboard or the side of a vehicle during an accident, it can lead to fractures, torn ligaments, or even knee dislocation. While seatbelts are effective for the upper body, your knees are still susceptible to damage in many car accidents.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: A sudden slip on a wet or uneven surface can result in a direct injury to the knee or twisting of the leg, which can damage ligaments. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests and visitors, so they may be liable if an unaddressed hazard on their property causes you to fall and injure your knee.
- Workplace Incidents: Industries requiring workers to lift heavy objects, frequently crouch or kneel, or engage in repetitive motion make these employees susceptible to knee injuries. This can be made worse if proper safety guidelines are not followed. These types of injuries usually include strains, sprains, and other conditions.
- Pedestrian or Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrians and bicyclists are at a greater risk of injury because they do not have the safety protections of a vehicle while in motion. They often suffer knee injuries during a collision, especially if they are thrown to the ground or against a vehicle.
One of the most important things to establish after a knee injury is the extent of the damages and whether another party might have been at fault for the incident.
Proving Negligence in a Knee Injury Case
Proving negligence is central to any knee injury case. To do this, the victim has to prove that the person at fault, such as a fellow driver, a doctor, or a property owner, had a duty to keep them safe. Next, it must be proven that the defendant breached that duty of care by being negligent. This could involve failure to maintain a property, texting while driving, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It is also necessary to prove that the actions directly caused the knee injury. This might be difficult to do if the victim had pre-existing knee issues when the accident happened. Evidence to prove the cause of the injury can come from medical reports, witness testimony, or testimony from a medical professional. This same principle applies to back and neck injury cases, where it’s important to show that the accident directly caused the injury and that the injuries are not merely exacerbations of pre-existing conditions. There must also be tangible damages that result from the accident, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and make a compelling case for compensation.
What To Expect in a Knee Injury Claim
Usually, the legal process of filing a claim for a knee injury starts with a consultation with an attorney. In this meeting, you will review the details of the accident and your injuries to establish your case. If you choose to go through the legal process, your attorney can gather evidence to build your case. After this process, the attorney can file a claim with the insurance company of the individual who caused your injuries.
Most cases are resolved with a settlement, but if a settlement is not possible, the case typically moves to the courtroom. Working with an experienced attorney throughout this process can protect your rights and increase your chances of securing compensation. If you’re in New Roads, Louisiana, having a local attorney who understands the intricacies of Louisiana law can make all the difference. They can guide you through the litigation process, from preparing your case to presenting evidence in court, ensuring that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Can I File a Knee Injury Claim if It Happened Months After an Accident?
You can file a knee injury claim even if it happened months after an accident, but it may be more difficult to prove. It is common for symptoms of a knee injury to manifest weeks or months after the accident, especially in the case of a soft tissue or cartilage injury. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms and document the specific treatments used to address the symptoms and injury for evidence.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Knee Injury Claim?
Various types of evidence are needed to prove a knee injury claim and build a strong legal argument. Medical records can prove the nature of the injury and connect it to the accident. Any statements from eyewitnesses or other visual evidence, such as photos and videos, can demonstrate how the injury occurred. Other documents, like police reports, can identify which parties might be at fault for your injuries.
What Do I Do if the Insurance Company Claims My Knee Injury Was Pre-Existing?
If the insurance company claims your knee injury was pre-existing, you may need additional evidence to prove the injury was caused by the accident. Many personal injury cases involve pre-existing conditions that are worsened by an accident. It’s important to prove that the accident directly caused further damage. Medical records can provide a baseline of your condition before the accident and be compared to records after the accident.
Let an Experienced New Roads Knee Injury Lawyer Work for You
Your recovery matters. Getting the compensation you deserve can give you peace of mind and the ability to get your life back in order following an accident. Schedule a consultation with Murphy Law Firm today so we can navigate the legal aspects of your case on your behalf. We help our clients with high-stakes claims to help make a difference.
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