Protecting yourself after a meniscus tear caused by a car accident
- Understanding meniscus tear treatment
- Long term effects of meniscus tear treatment caused by a car accident
- Paying for meniscus tear treatment caused by a car accident
- How an accident injury attorney helps with meniscus tears caused by a car accident
Treatment for meniscus tears from a car accident
A meniscus tear caused by the impact of a car accident is a serious injury. The meniscus is the cartilage cushioning and stabilizing the knee joint. An injury to the meniscus causes pain, limitations to movement and instability walking. The Mayo Clinic states that treatment can range from anti-inflammatory drugs, to physical therapy, to arthroscopic surgery.
Long term effects of a meniscus tear from a car accident
During recovery, your quality of life will be reduced in different ways. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons describes the recovery from surgery as a month for the knee to heal and up to three months of physical therapy to recover mobility. During the healing process, a cast or crutches may be needed to protect the knee. Physical rehabilitation may be done at a doctor’s office or at home. With proper treatment, it is sometimes possible to return to pre-injury ability. However, this will require a commitment of time and limiting your activities based on the advice of your doctor.
Costs of treating a meniscus tear from a car accident
Treating a severe meniscus tear is complicated, involving many separate costs. If arthroscopic surgery is required, several medical providers will need to be paid for this treatment. For example, you may get a bill from the surgeon, the surgical facilities, the radiologist, and the anesthesiologist. There will also be follow up appointments with an orthopedist to ensure the tear is healing properly and you reach the best possible recovery outcome.
If your insurance covers you, your payment will depend on the specific terms of your coverage. However, if your injury was caused by a third party, some insurance companies reserve the right not to pay and may file a lien for repayment. This is called a right of subrogation. If you are working with the other party’s insurance, any money promised to you may be intercepted by companies that file a lien as payment for their bills. These liens can result in you pocketing nothing if not handled correctly.
How an accident injury attorney helps with a meniscus tear caused by a car accident
An experienced accident attorney can take the following actions for a client:
- Negotiate with providers to reduce the amount of medical bills and liens
- Ensure you have the correct documentation for holding the insurance company accountable
- Ensure the insurance company takes everything into account for your claim’s value
- Ensure you can access the treatment you need while managing costs
- Ensure the insurance company takes future treatment costs into account
- Work to help you get treatment on a lien if necessary
If you are concerned with healthcare costs associated with your car accident, accessing treatment, or making sure the insurance company is taking your injuries into account, Vrana Law Firm offers free consultations with an attorney to discuss your situation.
If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, call us at 480-359-6002
Kel Vrana and Chandra Lehn are personal injury attorneys with experience handling serious injuries such as meniscus tears. If you have been in a car accident with severe injuries in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert or elsewhere in the East Valley we can meet you in our Tempe office or over the phone.