You may deserve compensation for an ankle injury at work. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, help injured employees get workers’ comp ankle injury settlements. To talk to an experienced Cornelius workers’ compensation lawyer for legal help, contact us.
How do you receive a workers’ comp ankle surgery settlement?
To get a workers’ comp ankle surgery settlement, report your workplace injury. Follow the steps to claim workers’ compensation, including completing Form 18 – Notice of Accident to Employer. Follow directives for medical care and develop independent evidence of the need for surgery, if necessary. Negotiate your settlement, including the amount and what it will cover. Follow the steps to finalize your settlement.
How Workplace Ankle Injuries Commonly Happen
Each year, nearly 100,000 foot and ankle injuries result in lost workdays in the United States. Workplace ankle injuries may result from:
- Slip and falls, falls from the same or elevated surfaces
- Uneven and broken surfaces
- Car accidents, transportation accidents
- Machinery accidents and malfunctions, crushing, or run-over accidents
- Car and transportation incidents
- Awkward steps or landings, climbing or stepping, misjudging a step
- Improper footwear
- Repetitive tasks, excessive force
Types of Ankle Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp
Various types of ankle injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation.
Broken bones
There are 26 bones in the foot. The ankle joint connects the foot with the lower leg, composed of the tibia, fibula, and talus. These three bones meet to allow ankle movement. A broken bone can be considered an ankle injury.
Fractures can occur in several ways. A ligament or tendon may pull bone away from the ankle, causing an avulsion fracture. An avulsion fracture may cause pain, bruising, and tenderness. It may limit motion. A displaced fracture can disrupt bone alignment. A stress fracture may result from repeated trauma.
Sprains and strains
The ligaments and tendons of the ankle can be torn and become unstable. A person may suffer a lateral, medial, or high ankle sprain, depending on the part of the ankle where ligaments are damaged. Ankle sprain can cause pain, especially when bearing weight. In addition to ligaments and tendons, bruised muscles can also cause pain and immobility.
Dislocation
Trauma can force the ankle bones out of their normal position. Ankle dislocation can cause pain, numbness, and tingling. The person may not be able to bear weight or may need surgery, immobilization, or physical therapy.
Achilles tendon rupture
The Achilles tendon connects the calf and heel bone. Sudden contraction, trauma, or stress on the tendon can cause it to rupture. The person may feel a gap or a popping sensation. Complete rupture of the Achilles tendon usually requires surgery.
Factors That Affect Settlement Value for Ankle Injuries
Each ankle injury at work compensation settlement is determined individually. Several factors may impact the amount of the award:
- Whether surgery is required to repair the ankle
- How much physical therapy the person needs
- Extent of lasting ankylosis, stiffness, and immobility of the ankle
- Limitation of motion of the ankle
- Impact of the injury on the person’s ability to work
- Cost of mobility assistance devices like crutches, scooters, and wheelchairs
- Other injuries aside from the ankle that are included in the settlement
- The timing of the settlement, including whether the person has reached maximum medical improvement
- Questions of whether the person is eligible for benefits or if one of the disqualifying reasons applies to the case
- The person’s income before the injury occurred
Cornelius, NC, workers’ comp ankle injury settlements consider permanent impairment. Ankle injuries are evaluated as part of the impairment of the foot, including all injuries of the leg below the knee. The rating guide explains how to measure motion and joint fusion for compensation.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Considerations
Varying levels of medical treatment may be appropriate for an ankle injury. A minor ankle sprain may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The person may need to immobilize the ankle.
Even if you think you can self-treat your ankle injury, it’s important to report the workplace injury as soon as possible. Err on the side of getting urgent medical attention to rule out a more serious injury and create a record of your injuries.
Surgery may be necessary for a serious injury. A procedure may be necessary to repair tissue, stabilize the joint, and set a complex fracture. With or without surgery, an ankle injury may require significant rehabilitation.
How Settlements Are Calculated in Cornelius, NC
Workers’ compensation ankle injury settlements in Cornelius, NC, require several calculations:
- Average weekly wages before injury
- Cost of medical care, including whether surgery is required
- Weeks of lost work
There may be additional factors that impact the appropriate award in your case.
See the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Settlement Calculator.
What To Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your workers’ compensation claim for an ankle injury is denied, you can challenge the decision. Review the reasons for the denial and determine if you’ve missed any required steps.
How to respond depends on the contested issue and the status of the case. You may take your case to a hearing where a hearing officer can address authorization of medical care. They can consider disputed issues, such as return to work and your average weekly wage. You may pursue mediation and negotiate a settlement. A lawyer can represent, advise, and advocate at all stages of your case.
How a Cornelius Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help Maximize Compensation
To maximize your compensation, a Cornelius workers’ comp lawyer can:
- Review documents and the status of your case.
- Evaluate medical benefits and ask for a second opinion or individual evaluation.
- Challenge a request that you return to work.
- Determine the right time to settle your case.
- Represent you at hearings, during mediation, and in settlement discussions.
- Prepare paperwork and ensure that documents are complete and accurate.
- Calculate your compensation and review your wage determination.
Your lawyer can identify issues that may be especially important to your ankle injury workers’ compensation case.
Talk to a Lawyer
We help injured workers receive Cornelius workers’ compensation ankle injury settlements.
Contact us at Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, today.
