Patella Injury Legal Claims
Knee and most importantly a patella injury carry with them a huge significance in the victim’s life. First off, we need to understand that the knee is the largest and among the most complicated joints in the body. Furthermore, it also bears the role of holding or supporting all our weight and any trauma to it can lead to complications that may extend to our mobility, and overall quality of life.
Anatomical Summary of the Knees
The knees connect the upper and lower parts of the leg, which is made up of four bones: the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella.
The femur is the largest of the leg bones and is often described as the “thigh bone”. Beyond the knees to the lower leg, we have the tibia and fibula. The tibia is the larger of the two and runs medially. The tibia supports most of the body’s weight at the top. The fibula is the smaller and is positioned laterally. At the end of the fibula, we have the ankle. The last bone is the patella, also known as the kneecap.
The kneecap serves to protect the knee joint from trauma. It is positioned in a groove known as the patella groove and held in place with ligaments. To prevent friction between the patella and the actual joint, the synovial fluid is produced which lubricates the region.
Personal injury claims not only cover injuries to the bones of the leg and knee, but also the ligaments as well. The knee region has multiple ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
ACL: The ACL is the most critical and injuries to this ligaments are a result of a direct blow to the back of the leg, driving the tibia forward.
PCL: The other ligament, the PCL, injuries are caused by a blow to the front of the knee, for instance during accidents. Other ligaments incuse the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The collateral ligaments stabilize the knee as it moves sideways.
Moreover, the knee has a meniscus that acts as a shock absorber and weight distributor.
Patella Injury Causes
The common cause of a patella injury is direct trauma directed to the kneecap. This sometimes results in a fracture. Such trauma includes:
- Auto and cycling accidents
- Construction accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Automobile Rollover accidents
- Industrial accidents
Patella Fracture Injury
A fracture to the patella is different from other types of arm and leg fractures. Mostly it requires an x-ray to clearly identify the fracture. In some instances, the fracture may not be visible. Because of this, a CT scan may be advised. An MRI can also be used to indicate bone contusions and injuries to the nearby tendons and muscles. Thus, it is prudent that you have covered all avenues to provide substantial proof in your legal claim.
Compensation for Patella Fracture Injury Claim
A patella fracture, without a doubt, is a painful outcome in case of an accident. Patella fractures are usually accompanied by surgery and lengthy periods of immobilization, not forgetting the costly rehabilitation which may last for the rest of your life. Sometimes, the victim may suffer from chronic pain associated with the knee accident even after recovery.
In the likely event that your patella injury was caused by negligence or an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you need to seek the services of a personal injury lawyer, who is experienced to guide you in every aspect of the claims process.
Proving Legal Fault for Patella Injuries
As you file for a compensation claim or seek a settlement, you should bear in mind that the onus lies on you to substantially prove who is legally at fault for the injury. Quite often, this is an arduous task and highly complex, as different laws exist regarding personal injury. For instance, a knee injury caused by an accident has different legal implications from that caused in a workplace. It is, therefore, essential that you find a specialized attorney to represent your claim relative to the cause of your patella injury.
In summary, attempting to file any personal injury claim without the help of an attorney is ill-advised. Unless you yourself are conversant with the laws surrounding your specific condition, or you can represent yourself, then you should consult with an attorney. Consequently, the better option and ideal way to get a well-deserved compensation would be to seek a reputable personal injury lawyer. Find one who has specialized on numerous knee injury claims to leverage your claim for your maximum benefit.
