Achilles Tendon Injury Claims

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and is essential for walking, running and supporting the upper body. An Achilles injury can be extremely painful and limit your ability to work and engage in various hobbies and activities.

Many different accidents can result in this type of injury, including workplace accidents, road traffic accidents, sporting incidents, overuse and repetitive movements.

If you suffered an injury to the Achilles tendon due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. The compensation for an Achilles tendon injury will cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity it caused, as well as any related financial losses.

To start an Achilles tendon injury claim, speak to a trained legal adviser today by calling 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation. Alternatively, enter your details into our contact form to request a call back.

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Table of Contents

• What is the Achilles tendon?
• Signs and symptoms of an Achilles injury
• Achilles tendon injury diagnosis and treatment
• Long-term consequences of a tendon injury
• Am I eligible to make an Achilles tendon injury claim?
• What accidents could lead to an Achilles injury?
• Evidence needed to claim compensation for an Achilles tendon injury
• Time limit to start an Achilles tendon injury compensation claim
• How much compensation can I claim for Achilles tendon damage?
• Will my personal injury solicitor work on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and plays a crucial role in walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes. It is a strong, fibrous tissue band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon also helps absorb the impact and strain on the lower leg during physical activities and maintains balance when moving.

An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon is damaged, often due to overuse, sudden movements, or a direct blow or trauma. The most common types of Achilles injuries include:

• Strained Achilles tendon – the tendon is overstretched, leading to pain and stiffness;
• Tendonitis – the tendon swells and becomes inflamed due to excessive activity and repetitive stress;
• Tendinosis – overuse of the tendon causes it to degenerate over time and scar tissue to form;
• Bursitis – inflammation of the bursae around the tendon, usually due to excessive friction or pressure;
• Partial tears – occur when there is damage to some of the tendon fibres;
• Complete rupture of the Achilles tendon – a severe and painful condition where the tendon is completely torn at any point from the calf to the heel.

Signs and symptoms of an Achilles injury

The symptoms of a tendon injury usually last about two to three weeks on average, but they may sometimes last longer for more severe injuries. The most common symptoms include:

• Tendon pain that worsens when moving the heel
• A swollen heel, which can be accompanied by heat and redness
• Swelling or puffiness around the tendon, particularly near the heel
• The area around it may feel tender to the touch
• A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury in case of a complete tear
• Bruising around the ankle due to internal bleeding caused by the injury
• A crunchy noise or feeling when using the tendon
• Loss of strength and a feeling of weakness or instability in the ankle
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Limping or inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• A gap in the tendon in case of a complete rupture

The amount of compensation you could receive if you are entitled to claim will depend on the type of injury you suffered to your Achilles tendon, its symptoms and impact on your daily life.

Achilles tendon injury diagnosis and treatment

If you suffered an Achilles tendon injury, you should seek medical help immediately. Your doctor will ask you about how the injury occurred and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also perform a medical exam to check for tenderness, swelling, range of motion or a gap in the tendon.

Your doctor might also order diagnostic tests like an ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray. These will help detect tears or ruptures, determine the extent of the damage, and rule out a broken bone.

Depending on its severity, treatment for your injury may involve:

• Rest and immobilisation using a cast or walking boot to allow it to heal;
• Applying ice and elevating the leg to reduce swelling;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation;
• Shockwave therapy to help stimulate the healing process;
• Surgical repair in case of a severe rupture, during which the torn ends of the tendon are stitched back together;
• After the initial healing stage, your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility and range of motion.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, you should be able to return to regular activity within weeks or months, depending on the extent of the damage.

Long-term consequences of a tendon injury

An Achilles tendon injury could have various consequences based on its severity and the recovery process. These can be long-term or permanent and include:

• Ongoing pain in the heel bone or along the tendon
• Problems with balance
• Altered gait or walking pattern
• Issues with mobility, such as stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Poor strength in the affected leg and over-compensating with the uninjured leg
• Reduced capacity of bearing weight
• Difficulty with performing activities such as running or jumping
• Increased risk of re-injury
• Developing arthritis in the ankle or foot joints

Chronic pain, limited mobility, and reduced ability to engage in sports or work activities can also lead to psychological consequences such as frustration, depression, or anxiety related to the injury. Your solicitor will make sure to consider all these potential impacts when calculating your Achilles tendon compensation amount.

Am I eligible to make an Achilles tendon injury claim?

If you suffered an injury to your Achilles tendon, the easiest way to find out if you can make a personal injury claim is through a consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions about what happened to determine whether:

• Another party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached this duty and caused an accident.
• Your injury was caused directly by that accident.

You do not have to worry about proving a duty of care. Your solicitor will do this based on the relevant legislation, which could be:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for workplace injuries;
• The Road Traffic Act 1988 for injuries caused by road collisions;
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 for accidents in public places.

Liability will be established based on available evidence, such as photographs, accident reports, witness statements and expert testimony. Your solicitor will also gather medical records to prove your injury’s severity and calculate the compensation you are entitled to receive.

To start your claim, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details here to receive a call back.

What accidents could lead to an Achilles injury?

Many types of accidents can cause damage to the tendon and lead to a successful personal injury compensation claim. These include:

• Slips, trips, and falls. If the foot lands awkwardly or the ankle twists due to a slip or trip, this can cause the Achilles tendon to rupture or overstretch.
• Sports accidents. High-impact sports that involve quick direction changes, jumping, and sudden stops can lead to Achilles tendon injuries.
• Workplace accidents. If your employer does not follow safety protocols, accidents such as falls, being hit by machinery and forklift accidents at work can cause Achilles injuries.
• Road traffic accidents. If you are knocked off a bike or your foot is trapped in a car accident, the Achilles tendon can be overstretched or ruptured.
• Falls from height. A fall from a height can place excessive force on the legs and feet, and may result in a badly sprained ankle and other tendon injuries.
• Criminal assaults. During a physical altercation, a forceful kick, strike, or blow to the Achilles tendon could result in various injuries.
• Repetitive strain. Overuse and repetitive movements over extended periods can lead to tendonitis and other Achilles injuries.

If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s fault, a personal injury solicitor could help you make a claim for compensation.

Evidence needed to claim compensation for an Achilles tendon injury

If you want to claim Achilles tendon injury compensation, you will need various types of evidence to support your claim. This should prove how the injury occurred, who was at fault and how it has affected your life.

At the beginning of your case, your solicitor will review all the proof you already have and assist you in collating additional information you may need, which could include:

• Photographs or a video of the hazard that caused your injury before it is moved, replaced or repaired or CCTV footage of the incident, if available;
• Photos of any visible symptoms, such as swelling;
• Medical records that show the type and extent of your injury, the treatments you received, and your recovery prospects;
• Statements from others who saw the accident and can support your version of what happened;
• A copy of an accident report form filed with the responsible party if you were injured at work or in a public place;
• Your testimony of the events and how they have affected your life;
• You also need proof of any expenses and financial losses that you want to include in your compensation claim, such as lost wages.

Time limit to start an Achilles tendon injury compensation claim

As a general rule, you can start the injury claims process within three years of your accident, as per the Limitation Act 1980. If your tendon injury developed over time due to repetitive stress and overuse, the three year time limit begins on the date it was diagnosed and linked to negligence.

Once this time limit expires, your case will be time-barred and no longer valid. However, there are a few exceptions that may apply:

• If a child was injured, a parent or legal guardian can make a child injury claim on their behalf anytime. The three years begin to run only once the child turns 18 and can conduct legal proceedings themselves.
• The time limit is put on hold if the claimant cannot handle a case because of a lack of mental capacity. This could be due to a brain injury or a pre-existing condition such as an intellectual disability or mental health condition. A litigation friend could claim for them in this case.
• If you were injured following a criminal assault, you have two years to make an Achilles tendon claim through the CICA.
• You can claim compensation through the AFCS within seven years after suffering an Achilles injury during military service.

How much compensation can I claim for Achilles tendon damage?

Each case is unique, and the compensation amount you can claim will be calculated based on your specific losses. These will be grouped into two types of damages:

General damages cover the subjective losses caused by the injury, such as physical pain, emotional distress, loss of amenities and reduced quality of life. They are based on historical cases and the guidelines from the Judicial College. According to our compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £8,870 to £15,370 for a minor injury with no permanent consequences;
• £15,370 to £25,710 for moderate injuries with substantial recovery but some long-lasting symptoms;
• £30,500 to £36,720 for more severe injuries with significant impact on mobility;
• Around £46,90 for a ruptured Achilles tendon with permanent disability.

Special damages cover financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses related to the tendon damage. These could include private medical treatments, care costs, lost earnings during recovery and the cost of travel to medical appointments. Special damages have a monetary value attached to them and are calculated based on financial documents such as receipts and bank statements.

Will my personal injury solicitor work on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid case, your solicitor will help you claim on a no win on fee basis. You will not have to pay them anything upfront or if your claim fails. Your solicitor will only receive a success fee upon winning your claim. In this case, they will get a pre-agreed percentage of your settlement, which cannot exceed 25% of your general damages and past financial losses.

Your solicitor may also advise that you get After the Event (ATE) insurance to further protect you against financial losses. This type of insurance will cover all the litigation costs if your case fails, including medical reports, expert witnesses, court fees and the defendant’s solicitors. The cost of the ATE premium will depend on your circumstances, and you will only pay it if you receive a compensation payout.

To find out if you can make an Achilles tendon injury compensation claim, call 0800 470 0474  for a free case assessment or request a call back.

Last edited on 9th Jan 2026

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.