A serious knee injury impacts your ability to work, support your family, and enjoy everyday life. If you sustain a knee injury in a harmful event, such as an auto collision or a fall on someone’s property, you may collect compensation for your injury, including other damages related to your accident.
The Los Angeles knee injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have over 50 years of experience protecting injured Californians in serious cases. With the resources to take on major insurance companies, we assist clients in pursuing compensation based on the facts of each case.
- Since 1972, we have specialized in California personal injury law, earning your trust through countless client testimonials. Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.
- We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients, with proven results that demonstrate our commitment to securing fair compensation. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work. Our attorneys collect their fees if we win your case.
Why Experience Matters in Los Angeles Personal Injury Cases
When you are up against corporate legal teams or aggressive insurance adjusters, experience is your strongest asset. Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has been a pillar of the California legal community. With 14 locations and a dedicated team of trial attorneys, we provide the localized attention of a boutique firm with the massive resources of a statewide powerhouse. We focus specifically on serious personal injury cases, ensuring that your claim is handled with the strategic depth it requires.
Request a free consultation to get an expert assessment.
Can I Afford a Knee Injury Lawyer?
A knee injury often brings immediate financial shock. Medical bills for surgeries, rehabilitation, and imaging pile up quickly, often at the same time you are forced to miss work. This creates a cycle of stress that can hinder your physical recovery.
Our role is to break that cycle. We take on the legal and financial burden of your claim. We investigate the accident, determine liability, and handle all communications with the insurance companies. We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- Your consultation is free
- No hourly fees
- We only collect attorney fees if we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf
Our goal is to help you get the compensation that reflects the seriousness of your injuries, lost wages, and any other damages caused by the accident. You should not have to suffer financially due to someone else’s negligence.
What To Do After a Knee Injury
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you think you can “walk it off,” adrenaline often masks the severity of ligament damage or fractures. Follow all treatment plans prescribed by your doctor.
- Document your injuries: Take photos of visible bruising or swelling. Keep a journal of your pain levels and mobility limitations.
- Preserve evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, such as the spill on the floor or vehicle damage. Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing.
- Avoid recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may ask for one to “process your claim.” Do not agree to this without legal counsel, as they may use your words to devalue your injury.
- Speak with a Los Angeles knee injury lawyer: Contact a reputable attorney before signing any settlement offers or releases. This will help you pursue fair compensation to help with your recovery.
Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys
One of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use in knee injury cases involves blaming your pain on “degeneration” or “arthritis” rather than the accident. Because the knee is a weight-bearing joint, many adults have some level of asymptomatic wear and tear.
Insurers will review your medical history to find any prior mention of knee pain. They then argue that the accident didn’t cause your injury; it simply aggravated a pre-existing condition. We counter this by utilizing orthopedic experts who can clinically differentiate between age-related wear and acute trauma, proving that the accident was the substantial factor in your current disability.
Common Causes of Knee Injuries in Los Angeles
According to a study, the knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body, making it particularly prone to injuries. Knee injuries can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and challenges in staying active or working. On average, 2 out of every 1,000 people suffer a knee injury each year, with teens and young adults aged 15 to 24 being at the highest risk.
In a bustling city like Los Angeles, with its heavy traffic and dense commercial areas, residents face numerous hazards that can lead to such injuries. We frequently represent clients who have suffered knee injuries and other harm due to these risks.
- Distracted or negligent driving: Rear-end collisions and head-on crashes often drive the knees into the dashboard (dashboard knee).
- Unsafe property conditions: Spills in supermarkets, uneven sidewalks, or poorly lit stairwells leading to slip and fall accidents.
- Defective equipment: Malfunctioning escalators, elevators, or gym equipment that fails during use.
- Lack of safety measures: Construction sites lacking proper barriers or warning signage for pedestrians.
Common Injuries in These Cases
Did you know that in young adults, a knee injury increases their risk of developing knee arthritis later in life by 6 times? A study found that the highest risk comes from serious injuries like ACL tears, meniscus tears, and fractures inside the knee joint.
The knee is a complex joint comprised of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Trauma to this area often requires surgical intervention. We handle cases involving:
- Ligament tears: Ruptures of the ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL, often requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Patella fractures: Breaks in the kneecap caused by direct impact.
- Meniscus tears: Damage to the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone.
- Dislocation: The displacement of the knee joint, which can compromise blood flow to the leg.
- Traumatic arthritis: Long-term joint degradation resulting from the initial impact.
Who May Be Liable for Your Knee Injury?
Under California’s comparative negligence laws, responsibility may be shared by more than one party, each contributing to the harm you now live with. Identifying every liable party is critical to pursuing compensation that reflects the scope of harm you’ve suffered.
Liability may fall on:
- Negligent drivers who were speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws
- Property owners, such as landlords, stores, or businesses, who failed to fix hazards or warn of unsafe conditions
- Employers who ignored workplace safety rules or exposed workers to preventable risks
- Manufacturers that designed or sold defective vehicles, equipment, or medical devices
- Government entities like the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans, when dangerous sidewalks, bus stops, or road conditions caused the injury
Each case demands a careful investigation to uncover not just what happened, but who had the power and the responsibility to prevent it.
Why Knee Injury Cases Are Legally Complex
Knee injuries from car accidents and other incidents are medically and financially long-term. Proving fault is only the beginning. The real challenge is proving how deeply this injury will affect your future.
Common legal hurdles include:
- Future medical needs: Many knee injuries lead to arthritis, chronic instability, or the need for knee replacement surgery years later
- Causation disputes: Insurance companies often argue the injury was “pre-existing,” requiring expert medical testimony to prove otherwise
- Loss of earning ability: Jobs that involve standing, lifting, walking, or driving may no longer be possible
- Multiple defendants: Accidents involving businesses or public property often involve layered insurance policies and strict deadlines
Without the help of experienced knee injury attorneys, insurers often minimize or ignore these issues. It is best to seek legal guidance immediately after an accident.
Our Personal Injury Case Results
Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:
$19 Million
Ride Share Passenger
V.
Auto/Quadriplegic
$17.5 Million
Bike
V.
Truck/Paraplegic
$13 Million
Wrongful Death
V.
City
Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you “whole” again financially, as permitted under applicable law. While money cannot undo the physical pain, it provides the resources necessary for high-quality medical care and financial stability.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you’ve incurred because of your injury. These are tangible costs that can be calculated and proven with bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- Future medical care: Estimated costs for future surgeries (like knee replacements) and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Wages lost while you were unable to work during recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity: Compensation if you can no longer perform the duties of your previous job and must take a lower-paying position.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle or personal items.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that deeply impact your quality of life but don’t come with a standard price tag.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured during the accident and recovery.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or family activities you once enjoyed.
- Permanent disability: Compensation for scarring, disfigurement, or a permanent limp.
A knee injury affects how you live. Holding the right parties accountable is about more than compensation. It’s about protecting your future, your independence, and your quality of life.
Unsure what damages qualify for compensation? Call us for a free case evaluation with our team. We’ll discuss how your knee injury has affected you and confirm which damages are legally compensable.
California Statute of Limitations
According to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, if a government entity is involved, such as a trip on a city sidewalk or an accident with an LA Metro bus, you typically have only six months to file an administrative claim.
Consult a Los Angeles knee injury lawyer to confirm when you need to file your case. Call us today.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Serious Injury Case
After a serious injury, you’re focused on pain management, medical appointments, and figuring out how your life just changed. Insurance companies know this, and they often use it to their advantage. These are profit-driven businesses, trained to pay as little as possible, even when the harm is real and long-lasting.
Without legal representation, insurers may try to:
- Downplay the seriousness of your injury or claim it will “heal on its own.”
- Push you toward a fast settlement that doesn’t account for future surgeries or long-term limitations.
- Shift partial blame onto you to reduce what they owe.
A knee injury attorney takes the pressure off you and steps in as your advocate, allowing you to focus on healing while we protect your rights and your future. A skilled personal injury lawyer does far more than negotiate numbers. We:
- Protect you from insurance tactics designed to limit or deny your claim
- Preserve critical evidence before it disappears or is overwritten
- Handle all communication so nothing you say is taken out of context
- Work with medical and financial experts to prove the true, long-term impact of your injury
- Seek appropriate compensation, not quick payouts
How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Serious Cases for Settlement or Trial
We don’t prepare cases to “see what happens.” We prepare them to win. Every case is built as if it will be decided by a jury, because that level of preparation often forces insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Our process includes:
- Early, hands-on investigation to secure police reports, witness statements, and video evidence
- Medical coordination to fully document your injury, treatment needs, and long-term prognosis
- Comprehensive damage analysis, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity
- Strategic negotiations supported by clear, compelling evidence
- Trial readiness, so if the insurer refuses to be fair, we’re ready to take your case to court
How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Lawyer for a Serious Knee Injury Case
A knee injury can change your life in ways most people don’t expect. What may start as swelling or pain can turn into months or years of surgery, physical therapy, lost mobility, and uncertainty about whether you’ll ever return to work or the activities you love. During this time, choosing the right Los Angeles knee injury lawyer can directly affect your recovery, your financial stability, and your long-term quality of life.
The right attorney helps ensure your injury is taken seriously, your future medical needs are evaluated based on evidence, and insurance companies cannot dismiss your knee damage as “temporary” or age-related. As you compare law firms, these are the questions that truly matter.
Do They Regularly Handle Serious Knee Injury and Orthopedic Cases?
Knee injury claims are not simple. Ligament tears, meniscus damage, fractures, and cartilage injuries often worsen over time and may require multiple surgeries or even a total knee replacement years later. Insurance companies frequently argue that knee injuries are pre-existing or degenerative, making experience critical.
You want a law firm that routinely handles serious orthopedic injury cases, not one that treats knee injuries as minor sprains. Proving the severity of a knee injury requires medical knowledge, imaging analysis, and a strategy that anticipates long-term complications.
For decades, Jacoby & Meyers has represented Californians with severe knee injuries caused by car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, and unsafe property conditions.
Are They Willing and Ready to Take Your Case to Trial?
Knee injuries are often underestimated by insurers once the initial treatment ends. They may claim you “recovered,” ignore future surgery risks, or argue your pain is unrelated to the accident.
A law firm that prepares every knee injury case for trial translates to your injury will not be rushed, minimized, or discounted. Trial readiness puts pressure on insurers to negotiate fairly instead of offering settlements that fall far short of your long-term needs.
Do They Have a Proven Record With High-Value Injury Claims?
Serious knee injuries can lead to significant compensation due to surgeries, extended rehabilitation, missed work, and permanent limitations. While no attorney can guarantee outcomes, a firm’s track record shows whether it has the experience to handle high-stakes cases.
Jacoby & Meyers has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements across California, reflecting decades of experience handling complex injury claims that demand aggressive advocacy and careful damage valuation. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Do They Have the Resources to Prove the Long-Term Impact of a Knee Injury?
Knee injury cases often require orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, life-care planners, and vocational experts to explain how the injury affects walking, standing, working, and daily life.
With multiple offices statewide and deep roots in Los Angeles, Jacoby & Meyers has the resources to fully investigate serious knee injury claims while still providing personalized, attentive support to injured clients and their families.
Is There Any Financial Risk to You?
After a serious knee injury, medical bills and lost income can pile up quickly. A reputable law firm should reduce your stress, not add to it.
Jacoby & Meyers works on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront attorney costs
- No hourly billing
- Legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered
Choosing the right Los Angeles knee injury lawyer is about experience, preparation, and trust. Asking the right questions now can help ensure your injury is taken seriously and that you have the legal protection needed to move forward with stability, dignity, and confidence.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Jacoby & Meyers
Is Here
To Support You
What Not to Say to Insurance Companies After a Knee Injury
Casual or rushed statements can be used to downplay your injury or deny your claim, especially in cases involving ligament tears, fractures, or future surgery.
What Not to Say
- “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.” Knee injuries often worsen over time and may require surgery or long-term rehab.
- “It was just a slip” or “Just a minor fall.” Even low-impact falls can cause torn ligaments or cartilage damage.
- “I’m already feeling better.” Pain, swelling, instability, and arthritis can appear weeks later.
- “I don’t need more treatment.” Insurers may argue your injury was minor or fully resolved.
- Anything that sounds like self-blame. Comments like “I should’ve been more careful” can reduce your compensation.
- Agreeing to a recorded statement. You are not required to give one without legal advice.
- Accepting a fast settlement. Early offers rarely account for surgery, physical therapy, or future knee problems.
What You Should Do Instead
- Keep statements short and factual
- Follow all medical recommendations and specialist referrals
- Document your injury, treatment, and limitations
- Request written communication from insurers
- Speak with a lawyer before discussing details or signing anything
Knee injury claims often involve long-term consequences that insurers try to minimize. Getting legal guidance early can help protect both your recovery and your future.
Client Testimonials
For over 50 years, we have built our firm on integrity and reliability, ensuring every client receives the justice and partnership they deserve.
“As someone who was recently involved in a car accident, I didn’t know what steps to take, so I called Jacoby & Meyers.
My case manager is Isabella Cantata – when I say this lady is one of the most caring, compassionate people I have ever run across. She helped me out so much through these difficult times, made sure that my daughter and I were okay, and went as far as to even help me with the financial situation when my father passed away. She has been a tremendous help, and I would like to thank Jacoby & Meyers for all their support and for having a great team.” – Tiffany Austin from Google Review
Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.
What Our Clients Have To Say
“Best firm there is. This Firm has been very helpful throughout the entire process. Adanhelly was been one of the best!!. Very helpful, and she sincerely makes me feel valued and taken care of. I highly recommend this law firm to EVERYBODY!”
– Ali M.
“Jacob & Meyers is the best, they handled our case immediately. Thank you for caring about us and getting us through this horrible thing that happened to us. Emily and the team are top-notch. If you’re looking for the best lawyers to fight for you, look no further; they will take care of your case.“
– Leslie J.
Case Results
Behind every case result is a real person whose life was changed in an instant. The compensation we secured for our clients helped them access critical medical care, recover lost wages, and find financial stability after a devastating event.
- $10.75 Million – Wrongful Death
- $1 Million – Product Liability / Horseback Riding
- $1.95 Million – Premises Liability VS. City
- $3.67 Million – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Explore our case studies to see how we protect our clients’ rights.
Disclaimer: Past results are no guarantee of future outcomes. Each case is judged on its own facts and evidence.
Knee Injury Lawyer Near Me
Jacoby & Meyers is proud to serve clients across California. With our main office in Los Angeles and 14 satellite locations, we’re here to assist you no matter where you live.
Our Offices and Service Areas:
- Orange County
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- San Bernardino
- Sacramento
- Ontario
- Oakland
- Los Angeles
- Fresno
- Escondido
- Brea
- Bakersfield
Whether you were injured on the 405 in West LA, in a slip-and-fall accident downtown, or in a collision in the Inland Empire, we have the local expertise and statewide resources to support you.
Explore the areas we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of knee injuries are most common in accident cases?
Common injuries include:
- ACL, MCL, or meniscus tears
- Knee fractures or dislocations
- Cartilage damage
- Soft tissue injuries and chronic instability
- Post-traumatic arthritis
What if my accident involved a government agency, like a city bus or sidewalk?
Claims against government entities in California (such as the City of Los Angeles or LA Metro) are subject to strict procedural rules. You generally must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident. Failure to do so can bar you from recovering damages.
How does comparative fault work in California?
California is a “pure comparative negligence” state. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
What if my knee pain didn’t start until days after the accident?
This is common. Adrenaline often masks pain immediately after trauma. It is vital to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and report that you were in an accident. A delay in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue the injury is unrelated, so legal guidance is crucial here.
What if I had a previous knee problem?
You can still pursue compensation. If an accident aggravated or worsened a pre-existing knee condition, California law allows recovery for the additional harm caused by the incident.
How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront attorney’s fees. Our fees are taken as a percentage of the settlement or verdict, if compensation is recovered. The fee structure is explained clearly during your free case evaluation.
For more information, you can visit our FAQ page.
Local Resources in Los Angeles
Note: We do not endorse or profit from these organizations. This list is for informational purposes only.
Emergency Rooms
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Keck Hospital of USC: 1500 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Urgent Care
- Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center: 1050 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
- Exer Urgent Care: Multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County
- Total Access Urgent Care: Multiple locations throughout Los Angeles
Police Departments
- Los Angeles Police Department (Traffic Group): 100 W. 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: 211 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Courthouses
- Los Angeles Superior Court: 111 N. Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse: 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Jacoby & Meyers Is Here to Help
You do not have to face the insurance companies alone. If you have suffered a knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Los Angeles knee injury lawyers today. Our legal team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Call us now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Attorney Review & Office Information
Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.
Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067
24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792
Other Cases We Take On
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Scooter Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Hit and Run Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Boat Accident
- Bicycle Accidents
- Paraplegia Injury
- Brain Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Laceration Injury
- Orthopedic Injury
- Whiplash Injury
- Amputations
- Broken Bone Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Quadriplegia Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Back Injury
- Rideshare Accidents
Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude