Ankle Injury Claims

The ankle is a large joint where the foot and the leg meet and is vital for mobility and balance. An ankle injury can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities such as walking, driving, or doing household chores. It can also lead to chronic pain, mobility issues and financial burden.

If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you might be eligible to claim ankle injury compensation. At InjuryClaims.co.uk, we work with specialist solicitors with the skills and expertise needed to handle all types of personal injury claims, including those for ankle injuries.

Ankle injuries can be sustained in all types of accidents. For example, you may have tripped over an uneven pavement, slipped on a wet floor in a supermarket or fallen down stairs at work. Even road accidents can result in an ankle injury, especially those involving bicycles and motorbikes.

No matter what type of accident caused your injury, if another person or company was at fault, you may be eligible to start an ankle injury claim against them. To have your claim assessed by an experienced legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474 or fill in our online claim form to arrange a call back.

Requirements to make an ankle injury claim

The requirements to make an ankle injury claim will usually depend on the circumstances of your injury. To make a successful claim, you will generally need to prove that:

• Your injury was due to another party’s negligence or fault. That means you will need to prove that they had a duty of care towards you and failed to meet that duty, causing your accident. You do not have to worry about proving liability, as your solicitor will take care of that by referring to the relevant legislation to show a breach of duty.
• You have suffered an actual and significant ankle injury. That means you will need to provide evidence of your trauma and its severity, such as medical records and doctor’s notes.
• Your injury has caused you to incur losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
• The accident happened within the time limit set by law to make an ankle injury claim. This is typically three years after you became aware of your injury, but it could be shorter or longer, depending on your particular circumstances.

If you have suffered an ankle injury through no fault of your own, it is essential that you seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. In the UK, more than 2.5 million people suffer personal injuries in accidents every year. Yet, only a fraction of these people will claim compensation for the pain and injuries that they have suffered.

You should keep in mind that seeking compensation is your legal right. If you have suffered ankle damage due to somebody else’s negligence, you will be eligible to make an ankle injury claim.

To find out if you have a valid claim for compensation, call free on 0800 470 0474 or enter your details into our online injury claim form. A friendly and experienced legal adviser will call you back for an entirely free consultation with no obligation attached. Within minutes, you can find out if you are eligible to claim, as well as how much compensation your ankle injury may be worth.

Types of ankle injuries

A person can suffer several types of ankle injuries, ranging from minor to very severe. The most common injuries leading to an ankle injury claim include the following:

Cuts and lacerations

These can be minor, superficial injuries or deep wounds that need surgical repair and may leave permanent scarring. Even a small cut can lead to severe infections, so you should always get the appropriate medical assistance after an accident.

Sprains

A sprain is the most common type of ankle injury and occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. Sprains can range from mild to severe, with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Inadequate treatment of a sprain may lead to long-term issues like chronic pain and joint instability.

Strains

Strains occur when the muscles or tendons in the ankle are stretched or torn due to sudden trauma from a blow, fall or overstretching. Symptoms can include swelling and inflammation, muscle weakness and loss of motion. Severe strains may need surgery and require physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to help regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in the affected ankle.

Fractures

A break or crack in one or more of the bones in the ankle can occur due to a fall, twist, or forceful impact. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, instability and stiffness. If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is important to seek medical attention right away and get a proper diagnosis through an X-ray or a CT scan.

Dislocations

Ankle dislocations are severe injuries that occur when the ankle joint bones are forced out of their normal position. This can happen when a sudden, strong force is applied to the joint due to a fall, twist, or impact. An ankle dislocation could also cause damage to the surrounding blood vessels, nerves and bones and is considered a medical emergency.

Burns

Burn injuries to the ankle may be disabling, especially if they affect underlying structures such as muscles, nerves and bones. While minor burns heal without medical care, severe burns may need skin grafts and other interventions and cause debilitating mobility issues.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones in the ankle. It often occurs due to overuse or repetitive movements and is less commonly caused by acute trauma. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, tenderness and crackling or popping sounds. Treatment typically involves rest, drugs to reduce pain and inflammation and physical therapy.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints can cause pain and swelling of the ankle. The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive stress on the ankle, such as from running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Other symptoms can include stiffness and inability to move the ankle and may heal with rest and physical therapy.

Arthritis

This chronic condition causes inflammation and degeneration of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the ankle. There are several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of non-surgical and surgical options, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medication and joint replacement or fusion.

Any of these injuries could entitle you to receive ankle injury compensation if somebody else’s negligence caused them. To find out if you could make a claim against the party responsible for your accident, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details to receive a call back.

Accidents that could lead to an ankle injury claim

Ankle injuries are extremely common and can happen in pretty much any scenario, from accidents at work to medical negligence. Some examples of situations that may lead to a person making an ankle injury claim include:

Slip, trip and fall accidents

These accidents can happen in many settings, such as on a wet floor, uneven pavement, or poorly lit stairs. The local authorities and the owners of public places must take all reasonable measures to protect your health and safety. If they have failed to do so, they might be liable to pay you ankle injury compensation.

Sports injuries

Ankle injuries are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or twisting, such as football, basketball and rugby. Although sports injuries are usually nobody’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation if you had an accident due to negligence. Some examples include poorly maintained facilities and negligent advice from a coach.

Accidents on the road

Ankle injuries can occur in any type of road accident, such as those involving a car, motorcycle or pedestrians. For example, your foot may twist awkwardly during the accident, leading to a sprain or strain. You may also suffer a crush injury if your ankle is caught between two heavy objects or subjected to significant pressure.

Workplace accidents

Ankle injuries can occur in various workplace environments, such as construction sites, factories, offices and warehouses. They can be due to a single traumatic event or may develop in time through overuse and repetitive motions. If your employer has failed to follow the health and safety regulations, you might have a successful ankle injury claim against them.

Medical negligence

An act or omission from a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse or surgeon could also cause damage to your ankle joint. Examples include misdiagnosis or poor treatment of an ankle fracture, poor management of diabetes or infections leading to ankle amputation, or mistakes during surgery causing permanent nerve damage.

When you contact a personal injury solicitor, they will investigate your circumstances to establish a breach of duty. If another person or entity were at least partially responsible for your accident, you might be entitled to claim ankle injury compensation.

What to do if you suffer an ankle injury

If you have suffered an ankle injury, the first thing you should do is get a medical evaluation. If the injury is severe or you suspect a fracture, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital. If the ankle injury is less severe, you can schedule an appointment with your GP or visit a minor injuries unit.

A medical diagnosis and report of the tests and treatments you received are essential when making an ankle injury claim. Moreover, your solicitor might also arrange a free medical exam with an independent professional. They will assess your injury, confirm the diagnosis and determine any long-term or permanent effects that you could claim.

Some other steps you should try to take immediately after your accident to help strengthen your claim include:

• Take pictures of the scene, including the cause of the injury and the surrounding area, before anything is moved or cleaned up;
• Take photographs of any visible injuries to your ankle and any damage to your items;
• Collect the contact information of any other people involved in the accident;
• Get the names and contact details of witnesses who can provide a statement about how the events unfolded;
• If you sustained the injury at work or in a public place, file an accident report with the appropriate authorities, such as your employer or establishment manager. It will serve as official documentation of the date, time and location of the injury, which can be used as evidence in your claim;
• If you were the victim of a hit and run or a violent crime, report the accident to the police as soon as possible;
• Document your recovery process and keep a record of how your accident affects your daily activities and mental well-being;
• Keep track of any expenses related to the injury, including medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs and other expenses, as they may be recoverable in an ankle injury claim.

If you are considering seeking ankle injury compensation, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as swiftly as possible after your accident. This will give them more time to gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim and meet relevant deadlines.

Ankle injury compensation amounts

The compensation awarded in an ankle injury claim can vary significantly from case to case based on several factors, such as:

• The type of injury you suffered
• The severity of your injury and its long-term or permanent effects
• The circumstances of your accident
• Whether you hold any responsibility for your injuries
• How the accident has changed your daily life
• The financial losses and expenses you incurred

Once your solicitor has listened to the full details of your case, they will be able to tell you exactly how much ankle injury compensation you may be entitled to receive. The compensation award typically covers two types of damages: special and general.

To calculate a suitable settlement for general damages, your solicitor will consider the ankle injury itself and the pain and suffering it has cost you, including:

• Physical pain
• Mental anguish and emotional trauma
• Physical impairment
• Inability to pursue a hobby or leisure activity
• Loss of quality of life

Because of its subjective aspects, calculating a fair compensation award for general damages can be challenging. Solicitors often refer to the guidelines offered by the Judicial College and other successful ankle injury claims. Below are some examples of how much compensation you could receive for general damages:

• Up to £5,500 for minor injuries such as a sprained ankle or minor fractures that heal completely in under a year;
• Between £9,575 and £16,000 for a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon;
• Up to £38,430 for an injury to the Achilles tendon that causes severe acute pain and permanent ankle stiffness;
• Between £31,310 and £50,060 for an ankle fracture that needs surgery and leads to ongoing pain and permanent walking difficulty;
• Up to £69,700 for very severe injuries resulting in permanent loss of mobility;
• Between £78,800 and £102,890 for an amputation of the foot at the ankle level.

The compensation award for special damages covers all the financial losses and expenses caused by your accident. Since each item in this list has an exact monetary value assigned to it, it is much easier to calculate a fair compensation award. Special damages can include:

• Past and future medical expenses for x-rays, medical interventions and prescriptions
• The cost of rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Mobility aids and modifications to your home or vehicle
• Lost wages during recovery
• Costs toward everyday household assistance necessitated by the injury

To get a better idea of how much your personal injury claim might be worth, you can also refer to our online compensation calculator. If you believe you were the victim of negligence, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details into our online claim form to find out if you can start an ankle injury claim.

Time limit to make a claim

The UK legislation sets out a three-year time limit to file an ankle injury claim, starting from:

• The date of an accident that was partially or entirely someone else’s fault; or
• The date you received a medical diagnosis of your ankle injury. This applies if your symptoms developed over time or did not show immediately after an accident.

Even if three years seem like a long time, you should always speak to an injury solicitor as early as possible. That will ensure you remember all the relevant details about your accident and give you and your solicitor ample time to gather evidence to support your case.

Under the Limitation Act 1980, a claim becomes statute-barred after the time limit expires and will no longer be accepted. However, the court has the authority to override the time limit in circumstances where it is fair and reasonable to do so.

There are several exceptions to the three-year time limit to claim ankle injury compensation. For example:

• The time limit only starts to run once the injured person turns 18 and is treated as an adult by law. While the person is still a child, a parent or another competent adult could claim on their behalf at any time by acting as their litigation friend.
• There is no claim limitation time if the injured person suffers from a condition that affects their capacity to handle a case. This could be due to an intellectual or mental disability such as Down’s Syndrome, Alzheimer’s or a head injury. The three years limit only start to run if they recover their mental capacity.
• You have two years to claim ankle injury compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government body set up to compensate blameless victims of violent crimes and abuse. Claiming through the CICA requires that you report your situation to the police before taking legal action.
• Military personnel injured in the line of duty could file an ankle injury claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Regardless of liability issues, you could recover compensation through the AFCS within seven years of your accident.
• It is also possible to file a claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, within three years after a product defect is discovered and no later than ten years from the date the product was released.
• If you sustained an injury abroad, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. The time limit varies according to each country’s laws and could be as short as one year.

Claiming on behalf of somebody else

As mentioned above, in certain circumstances, it is possible to make an ankle injury claim on behalf of someone else, such as a child or an individual who is incapacitated. To do so, you must have the legal authority to act on their behalf, which can be established by applying to the court to become their litigation friend.

Your solicitor will help you fill in and file all the documents necessary to pursue ankle injury compensation as a litigation friend. However, before you take on the role, you should know that it can be a long-term commitment which involves many responsibilities, such as:

• Make decisions about the claim
• Attend court hearings
• Pay any fees requested by the court
• Keep the victim updated on the proceedings
• Take legal advice and instruct solicitors
• Consider any settlement offers made by the other side

Once you have established the legal authority to claim on someone else’s behalf, you can work with a solicitor to start an ankle injury claim. This will involve gathering evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, and negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company for a fair compensation settlement.

As a litigation friend, you cannot typically access the compensation award if you manage to win the claim. If the victim is a child, the money will be kept in a court bank account and released to them once they turn 18.

Your solicitor could also help you set up a personal injury trust for the person injured, whether a child or an incapacitated adult. This will ensure the ankle injury compensation will not affect their eligibility for means-tested benefits and cannot be accessed by third parties.

No win no fee ankle injury claims

No win no fee* is the preferred service for starting a personal injury claim, as it allows everyone to pursue compensation without taking any financial risks. Also known as a conditional fee agreement, this is a type of legal representation where the solicitor only gets paid if they manage to win your ankle injury claim. Otherwise, you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses.

Before offering you a no win no fee agreement, your solicitor will check that your claim is valid and you have a fair chance of success. If you can proceed, they will also take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy on your behalf.

The ATE policy protects you against legal costs and disbursements if your case fails, such as court fees, police and medical reports and any travel costs related to the claim. You only have to cover the cost of the insurance premium if you win ankle injury compensation; otherwise, you won’t have to pay a penny.

The benefits of making a no win no fee claim include:

• Financial security, as you do not have to pay any legal fees upfront and will not be at risk for financial losses if your case fails;
• Access to legal representation regardless of your financial situation;
• A fairer system, as it puts the risk on the solicitor and not the claimant.

You can find out if you qualify for a no win no fee ankle injury claim by calling free on 0800 470 0474 today. Alternatively, you enter your details into the contact form below to arrange a call back. A friendly legal adviser will ask you some questions to verify your eligibility, with no obligation to proceed.