A slip and fall is much more than just that embarrassing moment; it could mean serious injury, especially to the knees. If you just found yourself uttering, “I tripped and fell on my knee,” you most likely are in pain, your knee is swelling, or you find it hard to walk. While some knee injuries heal on their own, others can have long-term consequences, affecting your mobility and daily life. If your fall happened due to someone else’s negligence—like a wet floor at a store or an uneven sidewalk—you may have legal options. At The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., we help injury victims in Dallas, TX, understand their rights and seek compensation for their suffering.
Common Knee Injuries Caused by Falls
Knee injuries from a fall can range from minor bruises that heal with simple care to such serious damage as ligament tears or fractures that necessitate medical intervention. A severe impact to the knee or unnatural twisting during the act of slipping gives rise to serious types of injury, which may have after-effects even long afterward. Here are the most common ones:
- Patellar Fractures: A fall on a hard surface can break your kneecap, making it difficult to straighten your leg or bear weight.
- Meniscus Tears: Twisting or sudden impact can tear the meniscus, a crucial cartilage that cushions your knee joint.
- Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, or PCL Sprains/Tears): A fall that bends the knee unnaturally can overstretch or tear ligaments, causing instability.
- Bursitis: Repetitive falls or prolonged kneeling can inflame the knee’s bursae, leading to painful swelling.
- Dislocations: A violent fall might cause the knee joint to be out of place, which is an emergency situation.
Meniscus tears and patellar fractures are common after falls and usually result in chronic pain and limitation of mobility. Early recognition is crucial in order to prevent long-term sequelae and to institute appropriate management.
How to Treat Knee Pain after a Fall?
The important thing is to take immediate action to rule out further complications. The pressure on the knee must be reduced to avoid aggravating the injury.
An ice pack can be applied for 15–20 minutes to reduce the swelling while securing the knee with a compression bandage can keep it stable.
Elevating the leg reduces inflammation and eases discomfort, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help alleviate soreness.
Gentle movement and light stretching may help in the healing process, but if the pain worsens or persists, it is necessary to seek medical attention to rule out ligament damage or fractures and provide appropriate treatment for complete healing.
When It’s Time to See a Doctor?
Some knee injuries may heal on their own, while others may involve persistent or worsening pain that could indicate a more serious injury. Medical advice should be sought if, over days, the pain does not improve or bruising and swelling spread.
Inability to bear weight, instability in walking, or a deformity may indicate a fracture or ligament injury that requires professional attention. Other warning signs include a popping sensation at the time of injury or the knee locking up when moving. The doctor can evaluate the injury through X-rays or an MRI and decide on the best course of action. All these signs ignored may lead to a longer stay in recovery and lasting complications.
Can I Sue for a Knee Injury?
Yes, you may have a legal case if your knee injury resulted from unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Texas law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment, which can make them liable for injuries. You may be entitled to compensation if your fall was caused by negligence in the form of unaddressed spills, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and so on. A critical factor in proving liability is that a property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and has failed to take corrective measures.
You may have grounds for a claim if your injury led to medical bills, lost income, or lasting pain. Since slip and fall cases require clear proof of negligence, collecting evidence like photos, witness accounts, and medical documentation is essential. Speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney who will be able to outline your legal options and direct you through the claims process.
Speak with a Dallas Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Knee injuries from falls can be painful, costly, and life-altering. If unsafe conditions cause your accident, you shouldn’t have to handle the consequences alone. The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. has helped countless Dallas injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 214.200.4878 for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
AARON A. HERBERT
Aaron A. Herbert is a highly regarded trial lawyer known for his aggressive advocacy on behalf of seriously injured clients in major accidents and industrial catastrophes. With over a decade of experience, he has built a reputation for securing significant verdicts and settlements, often under confidentiality agreements. He emphasizes passion, preparation, and persistence in his practice, aiming to maximize case value while minimizing litigation stress for his clients.
