A serious joint injury does more than cause serious pain. It disrupts your ability to move comfortably, earn a living, and enjoy your daily life. Damage to your knee, hip, or ankle can rob you of your independence, forcing you to rely on others for basic tasks and putting unnecessary strain on your relationships. When someone else’s negligence causes that harm, that person should be held accountable.

The Wisconsin knee, hip, and ankle injury attorneys at LawtonCates can help you seek the best possible outcome for your orthopedic injury claim and fight for your rightful compensation while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.

Common Causes of Knee, Hip, and Ankle Injuries in Wisconsin

Joint injuries can happen in a variety of ways, whether due to significant trauma in a high-impact car accident or a sudden tweak in a slip-and-fall due to dangerous conditions. Some of the most common causes of these injuries our ankle, knee, and hip injury lawyers in Wisconsin see include the following:

  • High-Impact Car Accidents – The force of a motor vehicle collision can twist joints or crush bones. Drivers and passengers often suffer torn ligaments or fractured bones during high-speed impacts.
  • Slip and Falls – Cluttered walkways, unchecked hazards, and especially icy Wisconsin sidewalks can cause an awkward fall and leave victims facing serious issues for years to come.
  • Workplace Accidents – Many Wisconsin workplaces, such as factories and construction sites, pose serious risks to workers on a daily basis. When property owners and site managers fail to address known hazards, serious joint injuries occur with unfortunate frequency.

Types of Knee, Hip, and Ankle Injuries

Orthopedic injuries vary in severity, but many require surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some of the most common injuries our hip, ankle, and knee injury attorneys in Wisconsin see include the following:

  • ACL/MCL Tears – These ligament injuries destabilize the knee and limit your ability to walk or pivot. Many patients require reconstructive surgery followed by months of physical therapy.
  • Hip Fractures – A fractured hip often demands immediate surgical intervention. This injury can lead to serious complications, especially for older adults, and often results in long-term mobility challenges.
  • Meniscus Damage – A torn meniscus affects the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Without proper treatment, this injury can worsen over time and contribute to chronic pain and joint degeneration.
  • Complex Ankle Breaks – Severe ankle fractures can involve multiple bones and ligaments. These injuries often require surgical repair with plates or screws and may permanently affect balance and mobility.

Long-Term Effects of Serious Joint Injuries

Joint injuries can affect the daily lives and financial stability of victims for years, and possibly even for life. Common long-term effects include the following:

  • Chronic pain that interferes with sleep and physical activity
  • Post-traumatic arthritis that causes stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Future joint replacements involving high costs and lengthy recovery times
  • Inability to return to previous employment due to chronic pain and limited mobility

Who Is Liable for Knee, Hip, and Ankle Injuries?

Liability for a knee, hip, or ankle injury claim in Wisconsin can fall on several different parties. Some of the most common include the following:

  • Drivers who speed, drive distracted or impaired, or ignore traffic laws and cause a crash
  • Property owners who fail to address known hazards and allow a slip-and-fall accident
  • Contractors or subcontractors who contribute to unsafe conditions on construction sites

Our Wisconsin knee, hip, and ankle injury attorneys can investigate the incident to determine who may bear responsibility, and then demand maximum compensation.

Compensation Available for Orthopedic Injury Victims

Compensation in a knee, hip, or ankle injury claim in Wisconsin can account for the financial losses and the personal harm the at-fault party caused. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, your compensation may include the following:

  • Medical Expenses – Emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, medical devices, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical costs
  • Lost Wages – Hourly wages or salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost income
  • Reduced Earning Capacity – Compensation for when an injury permanently limits your ability to earn a living
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries

Orthopedic surgeries can cost tens of thousands of dollars. When you factor in rehabilitation and potential future procedures, the financial impact of your injuries can grow rapidly. At LawtonCates, our Wisconsin serious injury attorneys carefully assess the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances, both current and future, when calculating compensation.

What To Do After Suffering a Serious Joint Injury

You can protect both your safety and your legal claim by taking quick, decisive action after a serious joint injury. Be sure to do the following:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care – Prompt medical care from a Wisconsin trauma center can improve long-term outcomes and create critical documentation linking your injuries directly to the incident. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
  • Document the Accident Scene – If possible, take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your injury, warning signs (or lack thereof), the surrounding area, and visible injuries.
  • Follow All Medical Directions – To optimize your recovery and protect yourself from insurance company tactics, attend all follow-up appointments and follow your treatment plan to the letter.
  • Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurers – Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the incident to request a recorded statement. They want to twist your words against you and reduce your payout. Never offer any recorded statements without speaking to an attorney.

An experienced Wisconsin serious injury attorney can lead you through the legal process and help you avoid costly mistakes. Speak with one as soon as you’re able.

Consult a Wisconsin Injury Lawyer Today

At LawtonCates, our team brings a trial-tested approach to every personal injury case. We prepare each claim as if it will go directly to court, so we are ready to fight for maximum compensation regardless of how the case progresses.

We understand the challenges you currently face, and we know what it takes to recover your rightful compensation and reclaim your life. Reach out to us today for your free, fully confidential consultation and learn how to protect your rights after a serious injury.