The knee joint is one of the primary motion joints in the human body. It allows the lower leg to operate relative to the thigh while upholding the majority of the body’s weight. Movements at the knee joint are essential to many FELA railroad activities such as walking, lifting, sitting and standing. Unfortunately, as most railroad employees already know, the knee joint is relatively unprotected by surrounding tissue making it prone to injury.

The knees of any railroad worker are highly vulnerable to blows during train or vehicle collisions as well as the frequent sudden starts and stops of a locomotive or rail car. Railroad workers who have to deal with lifting and maneuvering heavy equipment may also find themselves suffering from a severe knee injury. Slips and falls are also another leading cause for railroad workplace knee injuries. If you suffer a slip and fall or other incident leading to injury at your worksite or while on board due to unsafe working conditions you will be legally entitled to certain damages in your recovery from the injury. Please contact the FELA trial lawyer firms of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. and Doyle Dennis Avery LLP to see if we can assist you in navigating the difficulties that arrive after a knee injury. Our attorneys strive to give you the optimal result in a FELA case whether it be a settlement or trial jury verdict.

FELA Knee Injuries

Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL or MCL tears)

The ligaments in the knee are especially vulnerable to tears when a railroad employee lands the wrong way, takes a hard impact or swiftly changes directions. Other FELA employees may also find themselves suffering a knee ligament injury due to a variety of railroad work-related tasks such as lifting or maneuvering heavy equipment.

Knee Tendonitis (Patellar Tendinitis)

Tendonitis in the knee or Patellar Tendinitis, is an injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. The patellar tendon works with the muscles at the front of your thigh to extend your knee so that you can extend to kick, run and jump. Railroad workers may encounter a Knee Tenonitis from repetitive movements and use of the knee.

Meniscus tears

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. Any forceful twist or rotation of the knee, especially when putting your full weight on it, can lead to a torn meniscus. This injury can also occur as a result of stress over time. Each of your knees has two c-shaped pieces of cartilage that act like a buffer between your thighbone and your shinbone. A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling and stiffness. You also might feel a block to knee motion and have trouble extending your knee fully. Railroad workers may suffer this injury while maneuvering in certain situations.

Fractured Kneecap (Patellar Fracture)

The kneecap (patella) is a triangular bone at the front of the knee. Though the kneecap is not needed for walking or bending your leg, it makes your muscles more efficient and absorbs much of the stress between the upper and lower portions of the leg. Climbing stairs and squatting can put up to seven times your normal body weight

on the kneecap and the joint behind it. Any railroad employee that navigates or assists the rail system can suffer a fractured kneecap from a collision or hard fall.

Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) situated near your knee joint. Bursae reduce friction and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons, muscles and skin near your joints. Any of the bursa in your knee can become inflamed, but knee bursitis most commonly occurs over the kneecap or on the inner side of your knee below the joint. Railroad employees may encounter this injury and need to seek medical attention to alleviate pain and swelling.

FELA claims generally have a statute of limitations that covers three years from the day of the incident. In cases where there is an unknown date of injury, such as occupational diseases, the statute generally starts to run when the development of the disease is diagnosed by a medical professional. Knee injury claims can recover additional compensation from a jury such as damages for the nature and extent of the injury; past and future medical expenses; past and future pain; past and future earnings loss; and suffering and loss of enjoyment in life. Mental injuries potentially can be recovered as well if the incident involved imminent threat of physical harm. Additionally, damages may be reduced if a railroad employee is found to have been proportionally negligent or at fault.

Railroad Employees and other industry workers covered under FELA regulations have a legal right to pursue action against their FELA employer for injuries sustained while completing the tasks of one’s job. Part of this legal right is the ability to choose experienced FELA attorneys that can guide you through the best avenues to maximize compensation for a railroad knee injury. The teams of experienced and battle tested attorneys for FELA cases at The Youngdahl Law Firm P.C. and Doyle Dennis Avery LLP are ready to work for clients we believe in. We understand the difficulties of a FELA lawsuit and want to help guide you through the process. Please call the FELA firms of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. and Doyle Dennis Avery LLP today for a consultation regarding your railroad knee injury.