If you were involved in an accident and suffered a serious injury to your knee, ankle or leg, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible. Knee injuries can be painful and lead to severe disability, and you deserve to be compensated fairly.
A compassionate, experienced Houston knee injury lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. can assist you through the legal process following your injury. Our catastrophic injury attorneys have assisted numerous individuals facing knee injuries and bring over 60 years of experience to every case.
About Knee Injuries in Houston, TX
Knee injuries are a common concern in Houston, often stemming from auto accidents. However, they can also occur to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and their passengers. During the summer months, enthusiasts of watersports such as boating, waterskiing, and wakeboarding are particularly vulnerable to these injuries. Knee injuries are also common workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), they are usually attributed to slips, trips, and falls. Additionally, athletes also face an increased risk of knee injuries, especially those engaged in rigorous sports such as football, soccer, or hockey. Being aware of these risks is important for safety and prevention.
The Body’s Response to Knee Injuries
Many knee injuries associated with accidents involve a crushed or dislocated kneecap or soft tissue damage around the knee. Due to the body’s hormonal response to an accident, known as adrenaline, you may not realize the extent of your injuries until hours or even days after the accident occurred. If you have suffered a knee injury, you should seek medical care right away, even if it has been a few days since the accident occurred.
Seek Medical Care Immediately for a Knee Injury
If someone is hurt in an accident, they should call 911 immediately. First responders will arrive on the scene, provide medical assistance, and document the accident; these reports could later become important documentary evidence in a lawsuit.
If possible, it is important to collect other evidence at the scene of the accident. Taking pictures of the scene, obtaining auto insurance insurance details, and collecting contact information from eyewitnesses can all be valuable for building a strong case in the future.
Severe damage to the leg joint can make it impossible to drive, so accepting an ambulance ride to the closest Houston hospital is often the safest choice. At the hospital, medical professionals will perform triage, X-rays, MRI scans, and emergency surgery if needed.
How Much Will a Knee Injury Cost?
Medical care after a knee injury in Houston can be expensive. An ambulance ride alone may cost several thousand dollars, and when you factor in ongoing medical bills and physical therapy, total treatment expenses can exceed $10,000. Knee injuries can prevent individuals from attending school or work, and result in numerous missed opportunities and lost wages.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Knee Injury
We highly recommend that you do not accept the first settlement made by an insurance company for a knee injury. Speak to a knowledgeable Houston knee injury attorney first to determine what is best for your unique situation.
Need Help? Call a Houston Knee Injury Lawyer Now
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., our skilled team of personal injury attorneys can help you collect the funds you deserve for this painful accident. If you have suffered a knee injury, call us today for legal counsel. We look forward to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
