The settlement for a knee injury case depends on the facts of the case, including the expenses and losses incurred by the victim. Each case settles on its merits after negotiations between the at-fault party (typically their insurer) and the victim.
There is no way to know how much your case might be worth without a good understanding of your damages. One way to get this information is to hire an attorney from a personal injury law firm near you. They manage this process for you, gathering evidence of your damages and valuing the case.
What Factors Affect a Knee Injury Settlement?
The factors that determine the value of a claim settlement vary from case to case. However, most have similar aspects.
The Nature and Severity of the Injuries
The injuries suffered affect a settlement in numerous ways. A significant injury that requires surgery and physical therapy will result in more extensive medical bills and expenses such as:
- Ambulance costs
- Hiring someone to take care of chores at home
- Mobility equipment
- Restricted activities and enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income from missed work
If you develop a chronic condition or suffer a severe enough injury that you have a permanent disability, your losses could also include:
- Future medical needs
- Diminished earning capacity
Other Expenses and Losses
Depending on the facts of the incident and your injuries, you could have additional damages. For example, if you were in a car crash, you might have vehicle repair bills and rental car costs to pay. You might also break your eyeglasses or smartphone in a slip and fall.
The Facts of the Case
While rare, the circumstances of some cases could support punitive damages. However, these are usually only possible if the at-fault party intentionally caused your injuries or acted in an egregiously reckless way.
If There Was Any Shared Fault
If your actions contributed to causing the accident or your injuries, you might face accusations of shared fault. While this usually reduces your potential settlement by the portion of responsibility assigned to you, it could bar you from recovering compensation at all.
Alabama and three other states do not allow financial recovery for anyone who shares fault in an accident. Many states only allow you to pursue damages if you can show the other person was 51 percent or more at fault.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Knee Injuries Vary in Severity and Treatment
The knee must bear the body’s weight and support mobility, with three ligaments connecting several bones and other structures. These ligaments often suffer tears, partial tears, strains, and sprains:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Other injuries that can occur to the knee joint include:
- Fractures of the leg bones just above or below the knee
- Patella (kneecap) fracture or dislocation
- Meniscus (cartilage) tear
Sprains and strains generally call for rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief as treatment options. On the other hand, a break, dislocation, tear, or other injuries require surgery, bracing, and physical therapy.
Long-Term Effects of Knee Injuries
A significant knee injury can take six to 12 weeks to heal. During this time, you may need to use crutches and engage in only limited activities. Depending on your injuries and job tasks, your doctor could keep you from working until you’ve completely healed.
In some cases, knee injuries can cause nagging discomfort or chronic pain and inflammation. Arthritis is also common after injuries in the knee joint. Some people require knee replacement surgery after this type of injury, either immediately or later.
An Attorney Will Manage the Claims Process on Your Behalf
Working with a personal injury law firm allows you to step back and focus on getting your life back to normal. Your attorney will investigate what happened, prove fault and liability, value your case, and navigate the claims process for you. They negotiate with the insurer and hopefully reach an appropriate agreement on a settlement.
They can also sue on your behalf if necessary. You only have a short time to act throughout the Gulf South states:
- One year: Louisiana under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492
- Two years: Alabama under Ala. Code § 6-2-38
- Three years: Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 and Mississippi under Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49
Other laws or exceptions could alter the timeline in your case, sometimes giving you less time to sue. Your attorney will handle your case and ensure you meet these deadlines.
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Morris Bart, LLC Helps Injured Victims Pursue a Fair Settlement
The Morris Bart law firm reviews cases for injured victims for free. We can assess your options and explain how we will help. We have 15 locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas and serve all areas of these states. We are a contingency fee firm.
Call (800) 537-8185 today to speak with our team about your injury case.
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