Torn Meniscus Lawsuit

The knee contains two menisci. The medial meniscus in located on the inside of the knee. The second menisci, called the lateral meniscus, is on the outside of the knee. The job of the menisci is to shift weight evenly across the leg bone and keep the knee joint stable. A torn meniscus injury occurs when one of the menisci tears, which leads to limited movement, pain, or swelling in the knee.

What Causes a Meniscus to Tear?

A meniscus tears for two reasons. One reason is because the meniscus degenerates in older adults, making the cartilage that forms the meniscus brittle and susceptible to breaking easily. The second, and more common reason is a traumatic injury involving the knee bending and forcefully twisting simultaneously. This action causes the femur to grind against the tibia, tearing the meniscus in the process.

What Are the Signs of a Meniscus Tear?

Symptoms and signs of a meniscus tear include a popping sound at the time of the tear and:

• Swelling
• Pain when walking
• The knee locking up
• The knee buckling under when standing or walking

What Are the Treatment Options for a Meniscus Tear?

The treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the extent of the injury. For some people, rest and anti-inflammatory treatment are all that they need to recover. Knee surgery is another option for more serious tears.

Can I Sue Someone for Causing My Meniscus Injury?

The opportunities that a person has for bringing a lawsuit against another depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury. For instance, a person cannot file a meniscus tear lawsuit if the injury was work-related. If the tear occurred as a result of a person’s job, they must file a workers compensation claim with their employer. However, they may file a lawsuit if the injury was caused by:

• Car accident
• Defective product
• Slip and fall
• Intentional act such as battery

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Meniscus Tear Lawsuit?

If you have sustained a meniscus injury in an accident you have a legal right to compensation. To establish a personal injury claim, contact a personal injury lawyer about your accident and right to recover money from your injuries.