A Common Injury
Ankle injuries are very common. This is not surprising given that our ankles deal with the weight of our bodies as we walk. Therefore ankle injuries can affect a person’s everyday life. The actions/inactions of another person may lead to a personal injury claim. Therefore, those who have been injured may be unable to work or carry out simple everyday tasks as a result.
Who is Liable?
To make a claim liability must be proven to show that the accident was not your fault. In some cases this can be a simple task, for example, in cases where you slip and fall on a wet floor in a supermarket where there was no wet floor sign, the liability usually rests with the supermarket as they have a duty of care to keep a hazard free environment for customers. In these cases, it must be proven that the party responsible lacked a reasonable duty of care and failed to eliminate any risks and hazards that may have been present.
What Are the Main Causes of Ankle Injuries*?
How Do Ankle Injuries Happen In The Workplace*?
Slip and fall accidents are the most common form of workplace accidents that result in an ankle injury. These injuries generally occur due to a hazardous working environment. They also occur in cases where a person trips over something that has obstructed them. In cases, a person’s mobility is reduced. As a result, this may affect their ability to work or even carry out daily activities. Certain industries may be more at risk from these accidents. An example of these includes construction, mechanic, retail and hospital workers. Other causes of work related ankle injuries are:
In cases where a person is injured at work and the accident was the fault of somebody else – either the employer or fellow employee – they must report the accident to their superior in work and then seek medical attention straight away before pursuing a claim and speaking with a workplace accident solicitor.
How Do Ankle Injuries Occur In Road Traffic Accidents*?
Injuries sustained in a road traffic accident will vary depending on the severity of the accident, the speed of the drivers and whether one or two vehicles are involved. If the accident was caused by another vehicle and was not your fault there are certain steps that need to be taken when making a claim;
- Take photographs of the scene and your injuries
- Call an ambulance and seek medical attention
- Get the other drivers details
- Take details of any witnesses to the accident
- Speak to a road traffic accident solicitor
How Do Ankle Injuries Happen In Accidents In Public Places*?
Ankle injuries sustained in public place accidents are commonly caused by slips, trips and falls. Liability may rest with the owner of the premises, like a shop or petrol station forecourt. Accidents also commonly take place in hazardous environments. These incidents may also happen on our streets or in local public parks. Cases arise where a person trips and falls on an uneven or broken pavement that is deemed to be hazardous. In these cases, you should seek medical attention. On top of this, take pictures of the cause of the accident and your injuries. Then your next step would be to speak with an accident solicitor.
What Are Common Ankle Injuries?
Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture occurs when there is a break on one or more bones within the ankle. This is a more serious injury and may be caused by a slip and fall or other serious accident that may cause trauma to the ankle. These fractures must be treated straight away so as to avoid any long term ankle issues.
Ankle Tendinopathies
Tendon injuries are known as tendinopathies. In cases where an accident has caused a person to rupture or tear their tendon, the tendon that wraps around your ankle which provides protection from strains, gives stability and allows you to walk and run cannot do its job. Rehabilitation and possibly surgery may be needed in this case.
Ankle Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerate condition that can cause ankle pain and dysfunction. This can be linked to overuse or repetitive strain injury from a person’s job. It is important to note that you should speak with your employer about personal protective equipment to avoid any long term injuries. Especially a job requires you to perform a certain task that is affecting your ankle.
Broken Ankle
A broken ankle is one of the more serious ankle injuries a person can sustain. In these cases, surgery may be required to reset the bone. Casting may be required also to provide support to allow the ankle to set correctly and longer term rehabilitation may also be needed. Different types of injuries can happen in more serious accidents like car accidents, occupational accidents, more serious slips, trips or falls and any accident that may affect the lower limbs.
Ankle Ligament Damage
Damage to the ligament of the ankle is not uncommon. In cases following a serious sprain, the ligaments may become torn. This would mean a much longer recovery time and reduced mobility for a longer period of time. As part of rehabilitation, an ankle support may be worn to help the injury heal. This injury is also associated with slip, trips and fall along with other accidents that may inflict damage on the lower limbs.
How Much is an Ankle Injury Worth?
The value of your ankle injury claim will heavily depend on the specifics of your case. To value your claim you must take into account the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical bills
- How much wages you lost
- Your future medical bills
- Your future lost earnings
- The effect the injury has had on your quality of life
The Judicial Council’s personal injury guidelines categorise ankle injuries into the following categories:
Severe ankle injuries
Serious ankle injuries
Moderate ankle injuries
Minor ankle injuries
- Where a substantial recovery or a recovery to nuisance level takes place without surgery within two to five years: €12,000 – €20,000
- Where a substantial recovery takes place without surgery between six months and two years: €6,000 – €12,000
- Where a substantial recovery is made within six months: €500 – €3,000