Craig D. Rosenbaum | October 15, 2025 | Slip and Fall Accidents
If you hurt your knee in a slip and fall, it’s natural to ask, “What’s the average settlement?” The honest answer is that there isn’t a meaningful “average.” Settlements span a wide range because they hinge on proof of liability, comparative fault, injury severity, medical care, lost earnings, and many other factors.
Why “Average” Rarely Helps in an Injury Case
Every case is unique, and even the same type of knee injury can have a vastly different impact on different people. For instance, a dislocation of the kneecap is a common injury that can occur in a fall. For many people, treatment typically involves rest, the use of a brace or crutches during the healing process, and physical therapy.
This injury can be much more serious for others. Some people experience chronic pain, buckling or locking knee joints, or patellar instability after a dislocation. Some require surgery to prevent or treat damage to surrounding bone, ligaments, and cartilage. Sometimes multiple surgeries are needed to realign bone and reattach torn ligaments.
There may also be long-term effects to consider. While many people recover fully from this injury, others are left with moderate to severe impairment or pain. The lasting impact may prevent some people from returning to their jobs or enjoying hobbies.
This means different people may have very different damages from the same initial injury when it comes to medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The value of these losses covers a broad spectrum. Consider the difference in lost income and earning potential between a professional athlete whose career is destroyed and someone working in retail who may need to take a few months off work.
Common Slip and Fall Knee Injuries
Knee injuries from a slip and fall run the gamut from soft tissue injuries like strains to fractures and other serious injuries:
- Fractures. The kneecap or patella is most likely to fracture in a fall.
- Torn tendons. The quadriceps and patellar tendons are most likely to be torn in a fall, making it hard to straighten your leg.
- Torn ligaments. Any of the four major knee ligaments may be torn in a fall and destabilize the knee joint.
- Meniscus tears involving the C-shaped cartilage cushioning the joint. Tears may need only rest and physical therapy, but severe tears may require surgery.
- Knee dislocation. This happens when the kneecap is forced from its normal position in a groove in the bone.
Any of these injuries may require extended rehabilitation and surgery, potentially with long-term impairment. Possible consequences include long-term joint instability, early-onset arthritis in the knee, and the need for joint replacement.
In general, more invasive treatments, longer recovery periods, and permanent impairment or disability result in higher settlements than short-term injuries.
Important Factors in Knee Injury Settlement Value
The unique facts of your case determine a fair settlement value.
Important factors that affect what you may recover include:
- Proof of liability. Strong evidence that the owner created the hazard or had notice (actual or constructive) increases value. Video, incident reports, prior complaints, and maintenance logs can support your case.
- Comparative fault. Any share of responsibility assigned to you directly reduces the compensation you can recover. For instance, you may share some blame if you weren’t watching where you were walking, or you were wearing inappropriate shoes for the conditions.
- Diagnosis and treatment. Everyone’s body responds to knee injuries differently. Sprains or contusions often resolve with conservative care. Tears and fractures can require arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or even joint replacement.
- Ability to return to work. If you are left with impairment or chronic pain, you may not be able to return to your job or any gainful employment.
- Permanency and impact on your life. Ongoing pain, mobility problems, reduced range of motion, or the need for future procedures typically result in increased non-economic damages.
- Insurance policy limits. The property owner’s insurance company is likely to be the source for compensation, but it won’t pay out beyond the policy limits.
The best way to secure a fair settlement is to build the strongest possible case. You will need evidence proving the property owner’s liability as well as your damages.
Contact Our Bronx Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While there is no average slip and fall knee injury settlement amount, having a lawyer on your side will help ensure you get a fair chance at the compensation you deserve. An experienced Bronx slip and fall accident attorney from Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate the facts of your case and give you a rough estimate of what your case could be worth.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
