As the largest and most complex joint in the human body, injuries to the knee can cause significant pain and discomfort. They can also be…
ACL compensation claims
If you’ve suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Claims
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can cause significant pain and instability. In severe cases, it can lead to long-term mobility issues, an increased risk of osteoarthritis, and ongoing discomfort. If your ACL injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury claims often result from slips, trips and falls, road traffic accidents and accidents at work. If you have a valid claim, compensation for an ACL tear can cover your pain and suffering, as well as related financial losses and expenses.
Call 0800 470 0474 today for a free consultation with an experienced solicitor or request a call back. They will assess your case and advise you on your legal options, with no obligation to proceed.
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Table of Contents
What is an anterior cruciate ligament injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four main ligaments of the knee and is the most frequently injured. It connects the tibia (shin bone) to the femur and helps keep the knee stable during movement.
ACL injuries usually happen when the knee suddenly twists or absorbs a forceful impact. As a result, the ligament can be overstretched (grade 1 injury), partially torn (grade 2 injury) or completely ruptured (grade 3 injury).
A minor ACL sprain may heal with rest and physiotherapy. More serious injuries may require ACL reconstruction surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, and may lead to ongoing disability.
What are the causes and symptoms of an ACL injury?
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are usually caused by sudden twisting, direct impacts or excessive force applied to the knee. Common causes of ACL injuries include:
- Slips, trips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces in shops, restaurants or on walkways
- Road traffic accidents, especially those involving riders or pedestrians
- Workplace accidents such as falls from height or unsafe manual handling
- Sports accidents involving forceful collisions or sudden knee twisting
The symptoms of an ACL injury depend on the severity of the damage and include:
- Severe knee pain
- A sharp pop at the time of injury
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Instability and the feeling that the knee might give way
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Am I eligible to make an anterior cruciate ligament injury claim?
You may be eligible to make an anterior cruciate ligament injury compensation claim if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
A specialist personal injury solicitor will help you make your claim if the following can be proven:
- A duty of care – Another party owed you a legal duty to keep you reasonably safe from harm
- A breach of duty – That duty was breached through a negligent action or omission
- Causation – You suffered an ACL injury as a direct result of the breach
- Damages – The injury has caused you pain, suffering and losses
You may be able to make a knee injury claim even if you were partially responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence, and it may result in a reduced compensation award to reflect your share of the blame.
Who is responsible for an ACL injury?
Responsibility for a knee ligament injury depends on how and when the accident occurred. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Your employer – Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, if you were injured at work due to inadequate training, faulty equipment or unsafe conditions.
- A road user – Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, if they caused a road accident by acting carelessly.
- A business or property owner – Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, when hazards in shops, restaurants or other premises caused the injury.
- The local council – If it failed to maintain a walkway, street, park, or another public place.
While your claim will be against the responsible party, any compensation awarded to you is typically paid out by their insurer.
Can I claim compensation for an ACL injury caused by an assault?
Yes. You may be able to claim compensation for an ACL injury caused by a physical assault, such as being hit with a weapon, stomped or pushed.
In most cases, you can make a criminal injuries claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), even if the offender is not identified, arrested, or charged. Before making your claim, you must report the incident to the police and have a crime reference number.
Can I make a claim for an ACL injury caused by medical negligence?
Yes. While most ACL injuries are the result of physical trauma, medical negligence can lead to a worse prognosis.
Examples of medical negligence that could lead to anterior cruciate ligament compensation include:
- Failing to diagnose a torn ACL after an accident
- Delayed referral to a specialist for treatment
- Misinterpreting scan results
- Surgical errors during ACL reconstruction
- Inadequate post-operative care or rehabilitation
To make a successful medical negligence claim, you must prove that the care you received fell below a reasonable standard, and this caused you avoidable harm.
How do I make an anterior cruciate ligament injury claim?
Making an anterior cruciate ligament claim typically involves several straightforward steps. First, you should seek medical care to get a specialist diagnosis and treatment. This will create medical records that are key to proving your claim.
Next, report the accident to the responsible party and gather as much evidence as possible, including witness contact details and photographs of hazards. Also, keep track of your symptoms, the impact on your daily life, and related financial expenses.
Do not hesitate to contact a solicitor as soon as possible to assess whether you can make a personal injury claim. If you have a valid case, they will:
- Help you gather further supporting evidence.
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant.
- Negotiate compensation on your behalf.
- Issue court proceedings if necessary.
What is the time limit for making an ACL injury claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to start an ACL injury claim for compensation.
Important exceptions include:
- Date of knowledge – The time limit may begin from when your injury was first diagnosed and linked to negligence.
- Children – The 3-year time limit only begins on a person’s 18th birthday. If no child injury claim is made, they have until 21 to seek compensation.
- Mental capacity – There is no time limit for a litigation friend to make a compensation claim on behalf of an individual lacking mental capacity.
- CICA claims – The limitation period is generally 2 years following a criminal assault.
It is best to start the claims process as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
How much compensation can I get for an ACL injury?
Compensation for an ACL injury depends on its severity and the long-term impact on your life.
A successful ACL claim will include two types of damages:
- General damages – for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages – for related financial losses and expenses
Compensation may cover:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional and psychological harm
- Reduced mobility
- Impact on hobbies and daily life
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
Each claim is different, and its value is calculated based on the Judicial College Guidelines. Typically, the more severe the injury, the higher the amount of compensation. Below are some examples:
- Up to £7,370 for minor injuries with complete recovery
- Up to £16,770 for an injured ACL with some minor disability
- Up to £26,190 for moderate ACL ruptures with good recovery
- Up to £43,680 for a complete tear of the ligament leading to chronic instability
- Up to £69,730 for severe knee injuries that may require knee replacement surgery
A specialist solicitor can give you a more accurate estimate of your compensation prospects.
What evidence do I need to support an ACL injury claim?
Strong supporting evidence is essential when making a claim for an ACL injury. This must prove the extent of the damage, how it occurred and who is at fault for it.
Important evidence includes:
- Medical records – doctor’s notes and scans confirming the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
- Accident reports – a copy of the official report filed with your employer, the police, or a property owner
- Photographs and videos – Photos, videos or CCTV footage of the accident and contributing hazards, including any visible signs of injury
- Witness statements – Written testimony from independent bystanders who saw the incident and injury occur
- Financial documents – Receipts, payslips, and other documents to prove the financial impact on your life
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything you need to support your claim. Your solicitor can gather evidence on your behalf, ensuring your claim is strong and covers all your damages.
Can I make a no win no fee anterior cruciate ligament injury claim?
Yes. If you are entitled to compensation for an ACL injury to your knee, you can make your claim on a no win no fee basis. This means you do not have to pay anything to start your claim and can get legal representation without taking on any financial risk.
A conditional fee agreement works like this:
- There are no upfront legal fees to pay.
- If you lose, you don’t pay your solicitor.
- If you win, they are entitled to a success fee.
The success fee is deducted from your compensation payout, agreed upon from the beginning and capped by law at 25% of general damages and past financial losses.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to find out whether you have a valid ACL injury claim. A specialist solicitor will assess your case free of charge, with no obligation to proceed.
