Construction accidents can result in many types of injuries, including ACL tears. “ACL” stands for anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is the ligament that connects your tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone), helping to keep your knee stable.
ACL Tear Causes
You can tear your ACL with little or no impact to the knee. All it takes is to tear an ACL is a twist the wrong way or a blow at the right angle. Because of the movement, stability, and heavy weight lifting required of construction workers, these types of injuries are common on and around construction sites. Climbing ladders, turning and twisting to work in tight spots, working near heavy machinery, and kneeling for long periods pose risks of ACL injuries.
How Serious Is a Torn ACL?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a ligament in the knee that acts like an elastic band, ensuring that bones in the leg do not rub together or over extend. When the ligament is torn, it can cause extreme pain and severely limit a person’s mobility. Many patients with ACL tears face a minimum six-month recovery that involves significant restrictions.
Even once a person with an ACL tear is able to return to work, they may have to perform only light duties and avoid climbing, kneeling, and squatting. An ACL injury can affect a person’s balance due to reduced strength of the ligament. Other parts of the knee can be harmed by an ACL injury. Many ACL injuries have to be repaired by surgery.
What Should I Do if I Tear My ACL?
If you experience any type of injury on the job, your first call should be for medical help. The next call should be to an IOSHA-certified construction accident attorney. Contact an attorney as quickly as possible, so he or she can begin gathering evidence and interviewing eyewitnesses immediately. At the law firm of Golitko & Daly, we handle workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury claims. We can handle your social security disability claim if your injury renders you unable to work for a year. One of our attorneys is a registered nurse who handles social security disability claims. She has a high success rate with the Social Security Administration.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you have torn your ACL, or have been involved in any kind of construction accident, make sure that you have an IOSHA-certified attorney in your corner. Contact our legal office today for a free consultation with one of our highly qualified attorneys.
