Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Denver Car Accident Attorneys

Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening and stressful experience. You may be worried about the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries may be overwhelming. After all, not all injuries are easily diagnosed or readily apparent. Some injuries, such as post-traumatic arthritis, may appear late – further complicating your accident claim.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis. It is a breaking down of joint cartilage caused by some form of injury to joints such as hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. The joints sustain an initial injury, and then a debilitating form of osteoarthritis develops some time later in the same vicinity.

This kind of post-traumatic injury occurs when the surrounding cartilage of a joint deteriorates and wears away after it is injured. Consequently, the bones will begin to rub together. This condition puts great stress on the remaining joint cartilage, producing instability and significant pain in the affected area.

Because the erosion of the cartilage happens over time, post-traumatic arthritis does not manifest itself immediately following car accident injuries. Initial symptoms may be slight pain and stiffness in the affected area. This is usually made worse by long periods of inactivity, with the degree of pain increasing over time.

The symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis are similar to the indicators for standard arthritis and include;

• Weakness and stiffness in the joint
• Pain and discomfort in the affected area- sometimes felt only during activity, sometimes at rest
• Tenderness in the joint- felt sometimes at rest, sometimes when pressure is applied, but varying in severity
• Limited mobility and flexibility
• Bone-to-bone grinding sensation

If you have developed debilitating arthritis after a car accident, it is important to know your legal rights. An experienced attorney at Fuicelli & Lee can help you during this painful time. We can ensure that you receive the money you need to recover and handle long-term complications, such as arthritis.

Car Accident Injury Claims and Post-Traumatic Arthritis

A car accident that outwardly appears minor can inflict significant trauma to a knee, shoulder, or other joint, causing injury to that area. The injury, which could initially be diagnosed as a sprain, could later evolve into osteoarthritis at that joint. The ensuing discomfort and loss of mobility could result in chronic pain or disability. While there are several effectual methods for managing osteoarthritis, there is no cure.

Making a successful claim for injury following a car accident requires proper medical documentation. All health issues resulting from the accident must be included in your claim. Failing to do so will prevent you from collecting additional compensation if you develop post-traumatic arthritis later on as a result of the initial injury.

Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love has developed debilitating arthritis after a car accident, it is important to speak to an experienced car accident attorney at Fuicelli & Lee immediately. Contact the law firm of Fuicelli & Lee, PC, for a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless you receive a financial settlement or award. Call our office at 303-355-7202 or fill out our confidential contact form.