Joint Knee and Shoulder Injury Attorneys Mercer and Middlesex County NJ
Personal Injury Attorneys helping clients with joint-injury related cases in Trenton, Princeton, Lawrence, East Brunswick and across Central NJ
Shoulder and knee injuries can be substantial, causing both financial and emotional distress. The healing process can be lengthy and full recovery may not always be obtained. When dealing with a joint injury caused by another person, financial recovery for these injuries may be necessary in order to afford proper treatment.
Shoulder injuries
The shoulder area is comprised of three bones and three joints. Each bone and joint serves a different function and operates in tandem with the others to insure proper working order of the shoulder. When any area of the shoulder has suffered trauma, the shoulder cannot work properly.
The bones of the shoulder
As noted in the diagram below, the shoulder is made up of three bones:1) scapula (shoulder blade, 2) Clavicle (collar bone), 3) humerus (long arm bone). The bones cannot work or assist in movement without several joints known as the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, and the sternoclavicular. The bones and joints are tethered together by ligaments, muscles, tendons and the joint capsule, all of which act as the foundation for shoulder function.
Types of shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries can range from soft tissue tears to fractures. Fractures are breaks that usually involve one of the three bones noted above, namely the top of the arm bone, collar bone, or shoulder blade. These breaks are extremely painful and make the use of your arm an impossibility until properly healed.
Dislocations are also a common type of injury. Dislocation occurs when the bones on the sides of the joint do not line up as they should, causing the bone to be out of place. The results of this trauma may include a separated shoulder, separation between the clavicle and breastbone, or a separation of the ball and socket.
Just as the injuries vary, so do the treatment options. In some cases involving a small tissue tear, the body will heal itself over time. While in other cases, surgery is required to repair the damage and the healing time can be extensive, including physical therapy and continued doctor’s appointments.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are similar to shoulder injuries, as they are both joints that allow for the proper function of your limbs. The knee is like a car in that, when one part is damaged or in disrepair, it will not work properly or at all. Any insult or injury to the area will impact one’s ability to walk as usual. A person often compensates to avoid the injured joint, causing discomfort in other areas of the body.
Bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage comprise the knee. The bones that meet at the knee and form the knee are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The cartilage that covers the knee is known as articular cartilage. This cartilage overlies the ends of the femur, tibia, and back of the patella and helps the knee to move smoothly. The knee also has 2 menisci. A meniscus is a material that acts as a cushion and absorbs shock between the bones. The ligaments connect the bones to each other and the muscles are connected to the bones through tendons. Any trauma may impact the knee and bones that make up the knee, including injuries like fractures, sprains, dislocations, and tears of ligaments.
Common causes for knee injuries
Damage to the knee and shoulder joints are often caused by extreme trauma or incidents involving force, such as:
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- Sports (football, basketball, skiing, gymnastics, etc.)
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Negligence of another
- Workplace accidents
Treatment and Recovery for knee and shoulder injuries
As noted above, shoulder and joint injuries can cause extensive damage that may require continued medical treatment. Surgery and physical therapy are often required in these cases. This means that an injured person will be required to miss work, incur medical bills, and likely suffer severe financial losses.
If your injury was caused by the actions or failure of another person to act in a reasonably responsible manner, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our firm today for a consultation concerning your injuries.
Contact a Mercer and Middlesex County Joint, Knee and Shoulder Injury Lawyer
Learn more about your options if your joints, shoulder or knee were damaged at work or if you otherwise suffered an injury to these body parts and need help getting benefits. Call CR at (609) 528-2596 or visit our online form to speak with a member of our legal team who can begin helping you immediately.