Chicago Knee Injury Lawyers

When a knee injury stops you from working, walking, or living your normal life, you need experienced legal help. The Chicago knee injury attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers understand how devastating these injuries can be to your daily routine and financial security.

Our law firm has secured millions in compensation for injured clients across Chicago and Illinois. We’ve obtained a $15.8 million pedestrian accident verdict that was recognized as one of the Top 100 verdicts nationwide, along with numerous other significant settlements and verdicts for clients with serious injuries.

Call (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation with a Chicago knee injury attorney.

Understanding Knee Injuries in Chicago

Knee injuries are surprisingly common in Chicago workplaces and accidents. According to the national injury data, work-related knee injuries occur at a rate of 13 cases per 10,000 full-time workers. These injuries require a median of 15 days away from work, nearly double the eight days needed for other types of workplace injuries.

The numbers tell a stark story. Research shows that approximately 184,300 work-related knee injuries were treated in emergency departments nationwide in a single year. When you factor in injuries from car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents, the total number of people dealing with knee injuries reaches into the hundreds of thousands annually.

In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 299,133 motor vehicle crashes in 2023. Cook County alone accounted for 160,036 of these crashes, representing more than half of all collisions statewide. Many of these accidents result in knee injuries when drivers and passengers brace for impact or when their knees strike the dashboard.

Common Causes of Knee Injuries in Chicago

Car Accidents

Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of knee injuries in Chicago. When your vehicle suddenly stops in a collision, your knees can slam into the dashboard, steering wheel, or seat in front of you. The force can tear ligaments, fracture bones, or dislocate the entire joint.

Our firm has handled numerous car accident cases involving knee injuries, including settlements for clients who suffered torn meniscus, fractured kneecaps, and ACL tears. In one case, we secured compensation for a client who suffered orthopedic knee injuries requiring surgery after being struck by another vehicle.

Workplace Accidents

Chicago’s diverse workforce faces knee injury risks across many industries. Construction workers may fall from scaffolding, warehouse employees can be struck by falling objects, and office workers might slip on wet floors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workplace injuries occurred at a rate of 2.4 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2023.

We’ve represented clients who suffered knee injuries after falling through floors, stepping into uncovered holes, and slipping on ladders. One construction worker received a settlement after stepping into a hole that had been improperly covered with carpeting.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting contribute to thousands of slip and fall accidents in Chicago each year. When you fall, your knee often takes the brunt of the impact as you try to break your fall or twist to avoid hitting the ground.

Our attorneys have secured settlements for clients who slipped and fell in restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and apartment buildings. These cases often involve torn meniscus, fractured kneecaps, or ligament damage that requires surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Premises Liability

Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address hazards like broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or debris in walkways, serious knee injuries can result.

Construction Accidents

Chicago’s ongoing construction boom creates unique risks for workers and pedestrians. Heavy machinery, falling objects, and unstable surfaces can cause severe knee trauma. We’ve represented workers injured when staircases collapsed and when they fell from unsafe structures.

Types of Knee Injuries We Handle

ACL Tears

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most serious knee injuries. They often require surgery followed by months of physical therapy. ACL tears can end athletic careers and limit your ability to perform physical work.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a tissue that acts as a shock absorber in your knee. When torn, it can cause painful catching, locking, and swelling. Many meniscus tears require arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged cartilage.

Fractured Kneecap (Patella)

A broken kneecap often results from direct impact, such as striking a dashboard in a car accident. These fractures typically require surgery to repair the bone and restore knee function.

Ligament Injuries

Besides the ACL, your knee contains other crucial ligaments including the MCL (medial collateral ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament). Damage to these structures can cause instability and chronic pain.

Knee Dislocation

Complete knee dislocation is a medical emergency that can damage blood vessels and nerves. Even after treatment, victims may face long-term mobility issues and chronic pain.

Cartilage Damage

Knee cartilage helps bones glide smoothly. When damaged, it can cause painful bone-on-bone contact and may require surgery or joint replacement.

What Your Chicago Knee Injury Case May Be Worth

Every knee injury case is unique, but certain factors influence the value of your claim:

• Medical expenses: These include emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment like crutches or braces.
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Knee injuries often cause significant pain, limit your mobility, and affect your quality of life.
• Future medical costs: Severe knee injuries may require ongoing treatment, future surgeries, or joint replacement.

We at Willens & Baez have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for knee injury clients, including six and seven-figure awards for the most serious cases. We understand how to properly value your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers

Proven Track Record

Our results speak for themselves. We’ve obtained:

• $15.8 million pedestrian accident verdict (Top 100 verdicts nationwide)
• $2.25 million truck accident settlement
• $1.5 million pedestrian accident settlement
• Multiple settlements for clients with knee injuries requiring surgery.

Experience with Knee Injury Cases

Attorney Matthew Willens has successfully handled numerous knee injury cases throughout his career. He understands the medical complexities involved and works with top orthopedic experts to build strong cases for our clients.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned when investigating your case. Our team reviews accident reports, interviews witnesses, consults with medical experts, and gathers all evidence needed to prove your claim.

Steps to Take After a Knee Injury

1. Seek medical attention: Get immediate medical care, even if your injury seems minor. Some knee injuries have delayed symptoms.
2. Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any conditions that contributed to your accident.
3. Preserve evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your injury.
4. Report the incident: Notify your employer (for workplace injuries) or property owner about the accident.
5. Contact an attorney: Don’t wait to speak with a lawyer. Early legal intervention can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help protect your claim, these are some DON’Ts to remember:

• Don’t wait to seek treatment: Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment means your injury isn’t serious.
• Don’t give recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that hurts your case.
• Don’t accept the first offer: Initial settlement offers are usually far below what your case is worth.
• Don’t sign anything: Review all documents with an attorney before signing.

How We Build Your Case

Medical Documentation

We work with your treating physicians to fully document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This includes reviewing MRI results, surgical reports, and physical therapy records.

Expert Testimony

When necessary, we retain orthopedic experts, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to testify about your injuries and their long-term effects.

Economic Analysis

For severe injuries that affect your ability to work, we calculate your lost earning capacity with the help of economic experts.

Settlement Negotiations

Most knee injury cases settle out of court. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair compensation without the need for trial.

Trial Preparation

When insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial experience gives us leverage in negotiations and confidence in the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a knee injury claim in Illinois?

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if my knee injury was partially my fault?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident.

Will I have to go to court?

Most knee injury cases settle without going to trial. However, we’re prepared to take your case to court if necessary to secure fair compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Today

If you’ve suffered a knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Our Chicago knee injury attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers are recognized as top-rated attorneys in the knee injury field, with a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our recent knee injury victories include:

• $275,000 Highland Park bicycle accident settlement: We secured this settlement for a 41-year-old school teacher who suffered a torn ACL requiring surgery when struck by a bicyclist during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
• $250,000 Lake County car accident settlement: We obtained full policy limits for a 70-year-old woman who suffered a broken knee requiring surgical plates and screws when struck head-on by a drunk driver in Lake County, Illinois.

Beyond our knee injury expertise, our $15.8 million pedestrian accident verdict was recognized as one of the Top 100 verdicts nationwide, demonstrating our ability to handle the most complex injury cases.

Call (312) 957-4166 for your free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and answer your questions. Don’t let medical bills and lost wages overwhelm you while you recover from your knee injury. Let our experienced attorneys handle the legal fight while you focus on getting better.