Knee injuries can be both painful and debilitating, requiring surgery or other expensive medical treatment that causes you to miss weeks of work. If someone else’s negligence is to blame, a Columbia, MO knee injury lawyer could help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the right course of action. While your options will depend on what caused your injury and how serious it is, a catastrophic injury attorney could help you get compensation for your suffering.
Knee injuries are common in car accidents and slips and falls. Common injuries in these accidents include bone fractures, ACL and other ligament tears, meniscus tears, and dislocations, as well as milder injuries such as muscle strains. These injuries can require imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to diagnose correctly and will likely result in long periods of recovery. Many knee injuries necessitate physical therapy or surgery, and out-of-pocket costs for treatment can be substantial even if you have good health insurance coverage.
Some knee injuries are truly accidents. For example, no one is typically involved in causing a sports injury or a fall in the home. However, other injuries are the direct result of another person’s negligence. For example, if a driver causes an accident while speeding or a grocery store carelessly leaves puddles on the floor that cause a customer to slip and fall, there could be grounds for a lawsuit. An experienced knee injury lawyer in Columbia could examine your situation and help identify the responsible party.
The specifics of an award or settlement will depend on multiple factors, including the seriousness of your injury and the expenses incurred. After reviewing your case, the Columbia knee injury attorneys at AW Smith Law could determine what you can expect when pursuing compensation.
In general, there are two categories of damages available. Economic damages are based on the expenses you face, including medical bills and lost earnings. Non-economic damages cover intangibles like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. For example, you may have a better argument for non-economic damages if a knee injury requires multiple surgeries, is especially painful, or prevents you from participating in your hobbies.
Other circumstances will also influence the total compensation amount you may receive. For example, if there is strong evidence suggesting the negligent party was responsible, your lawyer might be able to negotiate for more financial compensation. If a car accident with an underinsured driver caused your knee injury, compensation might be limited by the responsible party’s financial resources.
A knee injury can require a long recovery that keeps you from working and enjoying your life. If someone else is responsible for your injury, a Columbia, MO knee injury lawyer could help you determine the best way to get compensation. Whether you file a lawsuit or an insurance claim, you could hold the responsible person accountable and receive financial coverage so you can focus on your health. Contact AW Smith Law to review your case today.
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