Construction Accidents and Knee Injuries
According to statistics from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), 5,250 workers died while on the job. Of that number, 4,779 worked in construction. This should give you an idea of how dangerous and physically demanding construction work can be, and why Houston, TX lawyer Michael E. Shelton takes work accidents and injuries so seriously.
Workers who suffer a knee injury on the job should speak with a construction accident attorney about potential litigation. Knee injuries can lead to serious physical impairment and a number of other issues that can impact your livelihood.
Types of Knee Injuries
There are number of different knee injuries that can be sustained. Below is a list with a brief description of what these injuries involves.
- ACL Injuries - The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often injured when a person makes a sudden change in direction or lands awkwardly.
- PCL Injuries - Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are often the result of a blow to the knee while it is bent.
- Collateral Ligament Injuries - The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are located on the sides of the knee. They can be injured from blows that force the knee to bend sideways.
- Meniscus Tears - Sudden twisting or pivoting on the knee can lead to tears of the meniscus, the c-shaped cartilage discs of the knee joint.
- Knee Fractures - Injuries to the patella (kneecap) or the ends of the femur and tibia at the knee may be sustained from forceful impacts.
- Knee Dislocation - Knee dislocation refers to the bones of the knee not being in proper alignment.
- Tendon Tears - Tendons connect muscle to bone. Tendon injuries around the knee could be sustained from heavy blows or awkward landings and stretches.
Causes of Knee Injuries at Construction Sites
Our Houston work injury law firm has noted many different causes of knee injuries at construction sites and industrial workplaces. These include:
- Falls
- Slips
- Leg caught in tight space
- Leg compressed between two objects
- Tool or equipment malfunctions
Recovering from a Knee Injury
Whether a knee injury requires surgery or just a chance to rest the injured structures of the knee, recovery can takes weeks if not months. The more severe the injury, the longer it will take. That means a lot of time off from work just to heal.
What’s more, some knee injuries can lead to lasting joint and mobility problems from which a worker may not fully recover. A serious knee injury can even be career-threatening depending on its nature.
Is Someone Liable for My Knee Injury?
Whenever a serious accident occurs at a construction site, it’s important that fault be assessed. If your accident was the result of someone’s negligence, you may have an injury case that’s worth pursuing. Damages in this case can cover medical and living expenses incurred from the knee injury, long-term rehabilitation from the injury, and lost wages or earning potential as a result of the injury.
How an Attorney Can Help
It can be intimidating to take on your employer or even consider legal action, even if you are in the right. By working with a skilled attorney, you’ll have someone on your side who can assess the situation objectively and determine if your case is worth pursuing. They’ll be an advocate for you and your loved ones when you need it most.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you live in the Houston area and have suffered a serious injury to the knee, be sure to contact a skilled and trusted construction accident attorney. You can reach the team at The Shelton Law Firm by calling (713) 807-0700.
