Joint Injuries
Table of Contents
There are 360 joints in the human body connecting bones to each other. Some joints are more susceptible to injuries than others, especially if they are weight-bearing (like knees) or subjected to overuse or strenuous, repetitive activities. Aging typically decreases a person’s bone density, weakening bones and joints and making them more vulnerable to fractures or other injuries.
People can sustain joint injuries in a number of traumatic accidents, including car accidents, slips and falls, dog attacks, and other injurious situations arising from another party or entity’s negligence. Joint injuries can have long-lasting impacts on an accident victim’s life and their livelihood, especially if their injuries prevent them from carrying out tasks associated with their jobs.
If you sustained a joint injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Ontario personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for financial losses you have incurred because of your injuries. To learn more, call 1-800-JUSTICE.
Common Kinds of Joint Injuries
Acute joint injuries are often the result of traumatic accidents. Some joints that are most susceptible to accidental injuries include those in the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Common examples of joint injuries caused by traumatic accidents include:
- Bursitis
- Torn ACLs and other knee ligaments
- Meniscus tears
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Shoulder dislocation
- Torn rotator cuffs
- And more
Recovering from Joint Injuries Can Be Expensive
Some joint injuries are so severe that the injured party could require complicated, invasive surgeries. The effects of these serious injuries can be far-reaching, impacting an accident victim’s abilities to perform routine tasks, carry out the duties of their jobs, and enjoy recreational activities.Â
Recovering from joint injuries can be a lengthy, complicated, and frustrating process, especially if surgery is required. Some patients find that mindfulness practices to be beneficial throughout their recovery. However, for the best, most lasting results, injured accident survivors generally require substantial rest, regular physiotherapy sessions, and a careful plan of ongoing physical exercises. Depending on the location of their injury, accident survivors may even require the prolonged or permanent use of an assistive ambulatory device, such as a walker or a cane.
The process of recovery can be long, isolating, and demoralizing. It is not uncommon for injured accident survivors struggling with physical injuries, psychological distress, and financial instability to develop secondary disabilities in the form of debilitating mental health issues. These frequently include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Alcohol use disorder
- And possibly more
Coping with these resulting mental health issues can be costly, often requiring psychotherapy and other expenses.Â
Recovering Damages for Injury-Related Costs
Our personal injury lawyers serving all of Ontario believe that no one should be forced to pay the price of another person’s negligence. If the accident in which you were injured was caused by someone else’s negligence, by working with our Ontario personal injury lawyers, you may be able to recover costs you have incurred as a direct result of your joint injuries. These costs might include:
- Medical expenses
- Physiotherapy
- Personal training
- PsychotherapyÂ
- Prescription Medication
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- And possibly more
To learn more, schedule a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers serving all of Ontario by contacting Preszler Injury Lawyers today.
Book a FREE Consultation
Tell us what happened
We’re here to help.
Personal Injury FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for personal injury claims
What does a lawsuit look like?
Every personal injury lawsuit is generally comprised of five main parts. The length of time each part takes can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Your lawyer will help you through each stage by providing tailored advice and strong legal representation.
You can expect:
- Statement of Claim: This is a formal document that initiates the personal injury claim against the at-fault party (or individual you are suing).
- Examination for Discovery: This is a meeting where you and your lawyer will ask the opposing party questions about the claim, the accident, fault, and anything else that is deemed relevant. The opposing party will also have the opportunity to ask you questions.
- Gathering of Evidence: Your legal team will gather a variety of evidence on your behalf to strengthen your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, images from the accident scene, witness testimony, expert opinions, and more.
- Mediation: If you would like to attempt to settle without going to trial, you will likely undertake mediation. Mediation involves you and the opposing party negotiating the terms of your settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party.
- Trial: If you are unable to reach a settlement during mediation, your claim will proceed to trial. During trial, your lawyer will present your case and the evidence they have gathered before a judge (and sometimes a jury). Once complete, the judge will decide the final amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
It’s important to note that a majority of personal injury claims are settled through mediation, out of court. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers help guide clients through each of these stages, so they don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone.
How much will I have to pay for lawyers’ fees?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. A percentage of the settlement you receive will go towards lawyers’ fees. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket payments required.
What type of compensation can I expect to get?
When you’re injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, there are many different types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. The amount and kind will depend on the severity of your injury and the specifics of your case.
Common damages you might claim include:
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income
- Housekeeping losses
- Medical costs
- Legal costs
- And more
Our experienced Toronto personal injury attorneys will help maximize what you can recover by exploring your case and eligibility in depth. We aim to ensure that the compensation you receive reflects not only your current suffering, but the lifelong effects that your accident may have in the future.
When can I sue for non-pecuniary general damages (e.g. pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.)?
In Ontario, you can sue for non-pecuniary damages if you have suffered a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function, or permanent, serious disfigurement. This is known as the “threshold.” If you meet this threshold, you can sue for general damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other similar losses.
How long will it take to settle my case?
The length of time it takes to settle a case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the other parties involved are willing to settle. Some cases can be settled in a few months, while others can take years.
How long will the process take?
The length of time a personal injury claim can take varies widely according to the specifics of your case. While some cases settle in a matter of months, some can take anywhere from two to four years.
Some factors that affect the duration of personal injury claims include:
- Complexity of your injuries
- Each party’s willingness to settle
- Whether a claim goes to court
- Insurance company cooperation
- Availability of evidence
- And more
When liability is clear or injuries/damages are more clearly documented, cases may move faster. A personal injury lawyer will make sure the process keeps moving, although sometimes delays (like court backlogs) are unavoidable. Seeking personal injury legal advice early may help you streamline your timeline.
How long do I have to sue?
In Ontario, generally speaking you have two years from the date of your injury-causing accident to file a claim. However, based on the circumstances of your individual case, this timeline could be subject to additional limitations.
Do I have a strong case?
After taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers, the strength of your case can be evaluated based on the evidence available and the specific circumstances of your accident. Our personal injury lawyers offer case-specific legal feedback to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on legal options that might be available.