Knee Injuries Caused By Slip And Falls
When you think of knee injuries, you may think of sports injuries. However, slip and fall incidents can also cause significant damage to your knees. In fact, the knees are some of the most commonly injured body parts. This should be no surprise, given that your knees have to bear most of your body weight. That’s a lot of pressure—literally and figuratively.
While a slip and fall may not cause permanent damage to your knees, it can cause torn ligaments. This is a serious issue, so if you are in pain following a slip and fall accident, do not take it lightly. A torn ligament may require hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy, so seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Ligaments in the Knee
The knee is composed of four ligaments. Each performs a critical function, so even if one is torn, you could experience reduced mobility and other issues. The four ligaments are:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL): This ligament stabilizes the inner knee.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): This ligament stabilizes the outer knee.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): This ligament moves the tibia forward.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): This ligament moves the tibia backward.
Treatment for a Ligament Injuries
When the injury to a ligament is minor, it can be treated at home with proper care. Try the following treatment methods:
- Ice
- Rest
- Compression
- Elevation
- Medication
You can also aid in your recovery by limiting use of the affected ligament. You can also perform strength-building exercises and wear a brace.
Filing a Claim
In some cases, a torn ligament can be very painful and require significant treatment. You may need surgery and significant physical therapy. Treatment may take many months. You may have to take a lot of time off work and this can affect your earnings.
If someone else caused your slip and fall—for example, you slipped on a puddle of milk in a store—then you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, you need to prove your case. This requires a lot of evidence and can be complex. You need to save all your documentation related to your case. This includes all medical bills. If there were witnesses, be sure to get their contact information. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case and help you with your claim.
Contact Us Today
Knee injuries can occur in a variety of ways, although slips and falls and sports are common causes. If your injury was caused by a third party, it’s important to get the compensation you need.
The Florida slip and fall attorneys at Meldon Law can help you with physical and financial recovery. Knee injuries can be painful and require surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment. We have three offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale. Contact us today to see how we can help. Fill out the online form or call (800) 373-3000.
Resource:
builtinsport.com/what-to-do-during-and-after-your-knee-injuries/
