Knee Injury Claims | What is the Average Compensation Payout for Knee Injury?
 
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Knee Injury Claims

Experiencing knee injuries can be far more than a nuisance; it can be painful, distressing and debilitating – and take months, sometimes years, to heal. Whether you’ve hurt your knee in a car accident, at work, while playing a sport, or as a result of medical negligence, the effects can be long-lasting and costly. But, if you’ve suffered a knee injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible to claim compensation.

Are you eligible to claim compensation for a knee injury?

Claiming knee injury compensation can help you recover any financial losses and hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries. The first step in any claim is determining your eligibility. Calling 0800 234 6438 or using the online form gives you access to free legal advice.

Your advisor will assess your eligibility for compensation by looking at whether negligence was involved and what caused the injury. If they feel you have a case, the advisor will connect you with a no win no fee solicitor.

What are knee injuries?

The knee is a large and complex joint that bears all our weight – often for prolonged periods. So when your knee suffers an injury, such as ligament damage, the impact is physical and can have wider implications for everyday life.

Even a minor injury can impact your ability to walk, drive, work and perform simple daily activities. However, if you suffer a knee injury that wasn’t your fault, claiming compensation can help you recover any losses and receive financial support.

Why claim knee injury compensation?

Even minor knee injuries can impact your life, restricting your ability to enjoy daily life or exercise. A severe knee injury might mean you can’t work and need long-term support. If someone else is negligent for your knee damage, you have every right to hold them responsible.

Whether you’ve suffered a sports injury, been in a road traffic accident or slipped in a public place, claiming compensation allows you to prevent others from suffering the same injury and recover any financial expenses caused by the accident.

Calling 0800 234 6438 or filling out the online form gives you access to a specialist legal advisor who will assess your case and tell you whether compensation is viable.

The causes of knee injuries

There are numerous causes of knee injuries, including:

Accidents at work: People in roles that require regular lifting and manual work are more at risk of knee injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has strict regulations that state employers have a duty of care, so if you have a knee injury at work, you could claim compensation.

Road traffic accidents: If you suffer a road traffic accident that results in a knee injury, you might have a case. These incidents usually occur due to reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and a lack of attention.

Sports injuries: Athletes know they’re taking risks when playing a sport, but the team, coach and facility owner have a legal duty to prevent injuries. You can hold them responsible and receive compensation if they fail to take precautions.

Slips and trips: Whether you fall in a supermarket because there’s no wet floor sign or suffer a knee injury due to poorly maintained public land, you can claim against your local authority or the land owner.

Medical negligence: If you visit a specialist and they fail to diagnose knee problems properly, or you suffer an injury due to poor care, it’s possible to make a medical negligence claim. Some people might experience complications due to errors during knee replacements, resulting in long-term pain and mobility issues.

DID YOU KNOW: When you walk on level ground, the force on your knees is the equivalent of 1½ times your body weight. When you go up and down stairs, the force on each knee is 2-3 times your body; and when you squat, the force on your knees is 4-5 times your body weight
SOURCE: Harvard Medical School

The types of knee injuries

Knee injuries often cause significant pain, varying from minor to severe. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your incident, you could require long-term care and be unable to work. The most common types of knee injuries include:

Fractures

When the patella (knee cap) experiences trauma, it can result in a fracture, which causes extensive pain and will require rehabilitation. Some people suffer long-term complications – especially if they suffer a fracture to the side of their knee, where the tibia, femur and fibula meet.

ACL and MCL injuries

The anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) maintain knee stability, so minor tears and strains can cause the knee to give way. Footballers and pro athletes are most at risk, and the extent of your injury depends on the grade. Grade 3 ACL tears often require surgery.

An injury to the medial collateral ligaments (MCL) can also cause ongoing pain and mobility issues.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursa (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint) become swollen and inflamed. In most cases, bursitis is a mild condition, but if accompanied by an infection, there can be ongoing complications.

DID YOU KNOW: Common knee conditions caused or worsened by work-related activities include osteoarthritis, bursitis, lesions and tears and stress fractures
SOURCE: HSE

Torn meniscus

The meniscus is the cartilage between the femur and shin bone. It cushions the knee and acts as a shock absorber. A sudden twisting movement can cause a torn meniscus, leading to severe pain and a lack of mobility.

Tendonitis (patellar tendinitis)

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap and shinbone. It can be excruciating, particularly if you continue working out through the pain without letting it recover through rest and ice treatment.

Dislocations

Both dislocated kneecaps and full knee dislocations can be painful—with the latter causing more complications. These injuries often occur from heavy impact on the knee, resulting in significant pain and a loss of mobility.

DID YOU KNOW: The knee is one of the biggest and most complex joints in the human body, joining the femur to the shin bone
SOURCE: WebMD

The knee injury claims process

Although the long-term complications of a knee injury can be devastating, you also have the right to claim compensation for a short-term injury. The first step is to determine your eligibility by filling out the online form or calling 0800 234 6438 to seek free legal advice.

Your specialist will assess your case and pass your details onto a no win no fee solicitor.

CASE STUDY: A Scottish sawmill was fined £300,000 after a 19-year-old had to have his leg and knee amputated after suffering crush injuries in a workplace accident. BSW Sawmills Ltd admitted health and safety breaches which lead to the accident in 2017
SOURCE: SOURCE: Daily Record Scotland

Making a personal injury claim

Many people claim on a no win no fee basis because there are no financial risks associated with these claims. Your personal injury solicitor will assess your case based on the degree of negligence and your injuries, and then decide how to proceed.

You won’t pay any legal fees unless they win the case, giving you more financial protection. In contrast, claiming through a traditional lawyer means you’ll pay an hourly fee, and there’s no guarantee of winning.

Making your case

Proving liability is key to winning compensation for a knee injury. Your solicitor will examine what caused your injuries and whether they were avoidable, gathering evidence to prove your claim. They’ll use the information to calculate a ballpark figure that will form the basis of your compensation case.

Negotiating with the negligent party

In most cases, compensation claims go through the negligent party’s insurance provider, who will ask to see evidence of your injuries and might request that you attend a medical assessment. Your solicitor will handle the negotiations, acting on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation.

Settling and moving on

While rare, some cases go to court if neither party can agree on compensation. Your solicitor will work on your behalf and advise if they think it’s best to settle. Once you receive your compensation, the solicitor will take their fees, and you can use the rest of your award as you see fit.

Gathering evidence for a knee injury claim

Personal injury solicitors will work hard to collect evidence that proves your case, but you can speed up the process by gathering evidence to support your claim. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, the following forms of proof can be beneficial:

  • Photos: If you slip in a public place, suffer a road traffic accident or knee injury at work, taking photographs of the accident scene can prove your case.
  • Witnesses: Asking witnesses for their contact details is also beneficial, as they can provide eyewitness accounts of the incident. Road traffic accident witnesses might also be willing to provide their dashcam footage, which provides visual proof of the negligence.
  • Medical records: Your medical records detail the extent of your injury and how much treatment you need.
  • Incident reports: All accidents in the workplace must go into a logbook, and your solicitor will request the recorded incident.
  • Expenses: The cost of your injuries forms a large part of the knee injury claim, so keep detailed financial records of any expenses.

How much compensation will I receive?

Knee injury compensation claims typically involve general and special damages. General damages refer to the injury itself, including any physical pain and suffering, while special damages factor in medical expenses, lost earnings, and the long-term impacts of the injury.

Each case is different, but you can use a compensation calculator to understand how much you could receive.

FACT: 25% of cycle accident personal injury claims result involve a leg injury
SOURCE: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)

Average compensation payout for knee injury (UK)

The following knee injury compensation amounts are averages based on other claims. Please be aware that they’re only estimates, and your compensation depends on how the injury impacts your life.

Remember, your compensation depends on the severity of your injuries. For example, if your injury requires knee replacement surgery, you’ll receive more than someone with knee ligament injuries that heal completely.

Severe knee injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, with some people being unable to work. Professional athletes who must retire due to knee damage might receive higher compensation.

The best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can claim is to ask a specialist legal advisor.

CASE STUDY: Footballer Richard Keogh was awarded a £2.3 million in a knee injury compensation pay out from Derby, where he played for seven seasons. Keogh suffered significant knee ligament injuries after a teammate crashed a car he was travelling in.
SOURCE: Daily Mail

Get the ball rolling on your knee injury claim today

Claiming knee injury compensation is the best way to hold those responsible for your accident accountable and recover financial losses. Calling 0800 234 6438 or using the online form gives you access to free legal advice.

Your advisor will determine whether you have a valid knee injury claim and put you in touch with a no win no fee solicitor. They’ll support you throughout the claim and do everything possible to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

FACT Work-related lower limb disorders, such as knee conditions, are commonly caused by repetitive kneeling or squatting, climbing ladders and stairs, heavy manual handling and prolonged periods of standing.
SOURCE: Health & Safety Executive

How long after an injury can you claim compensation?

The general rule in personal injury claims is that you have three years from the accident date to start legal proceedings for compensation. After three years, anyone who claims knee injury compensation could be ‘time-barred’.

Making a compensation claim as soon as possible gives you a better chance of securing a financial award without worrying about your time running out.

These claims can take months to settle, and if neither party agrees during the negotiations, you might have to go to court – which extends the process.

How long will my compensation claim take?

It depends on how quickly your specialist personal injury solicitor can gather evidence and whether the negligent party is receptive to your claim. Naturally, you want to receive the money as soon as possible, but negotiations take time, and waiting might secure more compensation.

Your solicitor will advise you throughout the process and agree on a suitable amount for your knee injury compensation claim. If you do decide to go to court, the solicitor will support you during proceedings.

Can I use a traditional lawyer for knee injury compensation claims?

Yes, you can. However, while traditional lawyers might seem like a good idea, they charge upfront fees, and there’s no guarantee you’ll receive compensation. Paying an hourly fee to a solicitor can put you in debt, and the financial burdens can be significant if you don’t receive compensation.

A no win no fee solicitor only receives their fees if you win compensation, giving you more security and peace of mind that claiming will have no financial implications.

Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?

Claiming against an employer can cause a lot of anxiety, but workplaces are legally bound to protect employees. You have every right to hold your employer responsible for the injury and keep your job.

Workplaces are legally required to have insurance, so you won’t put them at any financial risk when making a claim, as it goes through the insurance provider.

CASE STUDY An athlete who suffered a knee injury at a gym, ending his athletic career as a free runner, has won £125,000 following a compensation claim against Westminster City Council. Marwan Elgamal underwent five operations after he ruptured his left knee ligaments while training at a council-run gym in 2012
SOURCE: Daily Mail

Other Important Information

*No Win No Fee

  • Although all our cases are handled on a no win no fee basis, other costs could be payable upon solicitors request. These will be fully explained to you before you proceed. Most customers will pay 25% (including VAT) of the compensation they are awarded to their law firm, although this may vary based on individual circumstances. Your solicitor may arrange for insurance to be in place for you to make sure your claim is risk free. Termination fees based on time spent may apply, or in situations such as: lack of cooperation or deliberately misleading our solicitors, or failing to go to any medical or expert examination, or court hearing.
  • *Criminal Injury Claims

  • If you want to make a claim for a criminal injury, you are not required to use the services of a claims management company to pursue the claim. You can submit your claim for free on your own behalf, directly to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (England, Wales, and Scotland) or the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland).
About the Author

Nicola Laver LLB

Nicola is a dual qualified journalist and non-practising solicitor. She is a legal journalist, editor and author with more than 20 years' experience writing about the law.

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