Walking is usually not something we have to think about when we are getting from one place to another. It’s typically a safe and easy experience that doesn’t result in any injury of any kind. However, when any of us slips or trips and falls to our knees, we can surely endure a painful injury. From preschoolers to Olympians to elderly individuals, we can all sustain serious knee injuries in the event of a slip or trip and fall.
Unfortunately, most fall accidents are not taken seriously enough. While this kind of accident may seem funny or not a big deal to some, having your body hit solid ground in a rough manner can cause injury that requires medical care. This medical care could quickly become costly as medical bills and lost wages add up. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to both seek medical care and connect with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC as soon as you’ve sustained injury as a result of an accident. Even if you’re unsure of whether you can hold a property owner or other party responsible for the harm you have suffered, speaking with the team at our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall injury law firm will allow you to both understand your legal options and make an informed decision about your situation.
If you’re unsure of what kind of injury you’re facing, it’s time to see a doctor and to contact our Philadelphia slip and fall injury law firm. Similarly, if you already know that you’re suffering from any of the four most common types of knee injuries that often result from a slip and fall accident or any other kind of injury, you need to follow your doctor’s orders and seek guidance about your legal options now:
Knee Fractures
When a person trips or slips on something, they will either slide forward or backward. If the slip and fall causes someone to land directly onto their knees, the force of impact could cause the knee joint or knee cap to fracture (patellar fractures). A fracture to the knee cap may require surgery in order to fix and heal the injury. Most people will endure extreme pain, swelling, bruising, not being able to straighten the knee, and inability to walk on that leg.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus, or knee joint, can tear due to a slip and fall accident. Meniscus tears most commonly occur when there is a sudden twisting or turning of the knee as the foot stays in place. Depending on the severity of the tear, the injury may heal by itself, require surgery, or need physical therapy. If surgery is recommended, the procedure will involve removing the cartilage, resulting in permanent weakness and damage to the knee.
Knee Sprains
A knee may sprain when the ligaments are pushed farther than their capabilities during a slip and fall, no matter what direction they are falling in. In most cases, a sprain occurs due to a very sudden and quick movement. At the time of the sprain, many people hear or feel a “pop” sound in their knee. Symptoms can include bruising, swelling, pain, and stiffness. The injury can be severe and may necessitate surgery if the ligaments were torn.
ACL Injury
ACL stands for “anterior cruciate ligament”, and this type of knee injury can happen if the knee gets bent backwards in an unnatural way, twisted, or jerked from side-to-side. Someone with an ACL injury may have partial or complete damage. Avulsions can also happen, which can be intensely painful and is the result of a full twisting of the ligament. Pain, swelling, and limited movement are likely to present right away after the slip and fall.
If you slipped and fell recently and are having knee injury symptoms, then it’s time to get a treatment plan from a knee doctor near you. Once you have received proper medical care, you’ll then want to speak with our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall injury law firm about your legal options so that you aren’t saddled with medical bills that you shouldn’t be responsible for paying. We look forward to speaking with you.
