What Can a Torn ACL & MCL Claim Recover? Here is a brief overview of the condition, how it is treated, and what settlements may be available. Although there is no exact formula for calculating the amount of damages, doctors are fairly certain that these injuries can result in a significant amount of recovery time. Unfortunately, the jury will not be unanimous, which can make predicting the final verdict difficult.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather information and evidence to support your claim and go after the damages you believe you are entitled to. PI lawyers specialize in cases like this and can be valuable to your situation.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
If you have sustained a torn ACL in a car accident, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation. The cost of medical treatments may exceed the value of your settlement. A personal injury lawsuit involving torn ACLs may require the use of a doctor’s opinion. An orthopedic surgeon can determine whether further treatment is necessary. In addition, an orthopedic surgeon is a vital resource in a worker’s compensation claim.
If you have been diagnosed with a torn ACL, you may wish to seek medical attention right away. The initial treatment involves applying ice and gentle compression to the knee and using crutches or a knee splint. If a doctor finds the injury to be more serious, he or she will likely recommend an MRI. MRIs can identify meniscal injuries with about 90% accuracy. If you are unsure of the diagnosis, the doctor can request the films and radiologist’s reports.
Symptoms
A torn ACL and MCL can cause significant pain and instability. They are rated from one to three on a scale of severity. Grade one means that the ligament is slightly damaged. Grade two means that it is loose, and Grade three means that it has been torn into two pieces. If your ACL or MCL is torn in this manner, you will feel significant instability and difficulty bearing weight.
If you are an athlete or perform physical labor, you may need surgery to repair your torn ACL or MCL. In some cases, however, a torn ACL and MCL will heal on their own and may not require surgery. However, if your injury is minor, your doctor may recommend physical therapy and strengthening exercises to restore your knee’s function. After surgery, you will need to complete rehabilitation and physical therapy to restore strength and full range of motion.
Treatment
When you suffer a torn ACL or MCL, you will most likely undergo surgery. The length of recovery time for surgery depends on the severity of the injury and the type of ligament. Grade I tears require surgery within a week of the injury, while Grade II tears require a longer recovery period. Physical therapy can help you regain full knee range of motion and stability after surgery. Your physician will also suggest ways to improve your strength and endurance before surgery.
Surgery is typically needed for a torn ACL and MCL, especially in athletes or people who perform strenuous physical labor. But even mild tears do not necessarily require surgery, and many people can continue jogging, exercising, or participating in sports after undergoing surgery. You can choose between different types of doctors, including sports medicine specialists. Some doctors specialize in treating traumatic knee injuries.
Settlements
Settlements for torn ACL / MCL personal injury lawsuits may be lower than you expect. In one case, a plaintiff slipped and tore his ACL and meniscus. This left him unable to perform his job, and he endured years of pain and suffering. The plaintiff was also forced to undergo several surgeries to treat the condition, and he would need a complete knee replacement in the future.
Your compensation will depend on several factors, the first of which is the type of knee injury you suffered. ACL injuries typically require extensive rehabilitation after surgery, while meniscus injuries are generally less invasive. The extent of your disability will determine how much of a settlement you receive, as a torn ACL injury may prevent you from returning to your previous job for a period of time. For instance, if you tore your ACL while working in construction, you may be unable to return to your work for several months or even years afterward.
At-fault system
In states that follow an at-fault system, the degree of fault is considered in determining how much compensation you will receive for a personal injury. This means that if you are less than 50% at fault, your damages will be reduced accordingly. The vast majority of states follow the comparative negligence standard, which means that your compensation will be less than half of what you would have received otherwise. Here are a few practical tips to protect your financial and legal interests.
Depending on the state, you might be able to recover additional compensation if your insurance company covers the costs of medical care and car repairs. You can also make use of the comparative fault system in California to claim some of your compensation. While you won’t be able to sue the driver at fault, you can still file a lawsuit to collect additional compensation. In addition to claiming your medical expenses and other damages, you may also be able to claim your damages by proving that the other driver is at fault.
