Workers’ compensation ankle injury settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 for claims requiring surgery or resulting in severe disability. A settlement resolves a claim for injury resulting from the course of employment. In Apex, NC, a person injured on the job may pursue a workers’ compensation settlement for an ankle injury.
Our experienced Apex workers’ compensation lawyers at Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys explain Apex workers’ compensation ankle injury settlements.
Common Work-Related Accidents That Cause Ankle Injuries
Accidents that may cause work-related ankle injuries may include the following:
- Slip and fall, trip and fall
- Being pulled between moving parts or pieces of equipment
- Falling objects, crushing injury
- Repetitive trauma
- Uneven surfaces, objects, and debris in the workspaces
- Improper footwear
- Car accidents, equipment accidents
- Workspace issues like crowded space or improper lighting
- Elevation changes like climbing, crouching down, or stairs with unusual rise and run
For a person to qualify for workers’ compensation, the injury must occur by accident arising in the course and scope of employment (N.C.G.S. § 97-2(6)).
Types of Ankle Injuries Covered Under NC Workers’ Comp
Examples of ankle injuries covered under NC workers’ comp include:
- Lateral ankle sprain: The ankle rolls inward, stretching ligaments and tendons beyond capacity, resulting in tears.
- High ankle sprain: Torn ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula (syndesmosis) to the ankle, resulting from dorsiflexion with external rotation.
- Bone fractures: Broken talus (ankle bone), tibia, or fibula. The talus may fracture in the neck or body of the ankle. It may crack, or an avulsion fracture may pull bone away from the rest of the talus.
- Cuts, lacerations: The ankle may be cut by a sharp object. A laceration may be a critical injury because of bleeding and risk of infection.
- Amputation, loss of the foot at the ankle: A crushing injury or sepsis may require amputation of the leg at the ankle.
- Achilles tendon rupture, tendonitis: This occurs when the tendon that connects the calf and ankle tears, impairing movement.
- Peroneal tendon injuries: Outer tendons of the ankle may tear or slip from their normal position.
Trauma to the ankle may involve multiple types of injury.
How Apex Workers’ Comp Settlements Are Calculated
Apex workers’ comp ankle settlements and ankle surgery settlements are calculated based on the benefits payable through workers’ compensation. A settlement is based on the value of medical care, lost income, and disability compensation that the injured person qualifies to receive because of their on-the-job injury.
What Affects the Value of an Ankle Injury Settlement?
Factors that may affect the value of an ankle injury settlement for Apex workers’ compensation include:
- Whether the person needs ankle surgery
- The extent of physical therapy needed
- The person’s average weekly wage before injury
- If the person’s ability to work is reduced because of the injury
- Whether the person’s future medical care is included in the settlement
- Permanent impairment
- The need for vocational rehabilitation
- Whether the claim is contested for any reason
There are multiple types of benefits that a person may receive through workers’ compensation.
Medical care
The injured person has the right to medical treatment for the injury provided by the employer. However, a settlement may include an amount for future medical care, ending this benefit.
Lost wages
A primary purpose of the workers’ compensation system is to provide an injured worker with replacement wages. When a person can’t work because of their injuries or they earn less than they did before, they may receive partial or total temporary disability compensation. The amount they receive depends on their wages before injury, up to a maximum amount.
Disability rating
Even when a person receives treatment for their ankle injury, they may have a permanent disability. The workers’ compensation system enables workers to claim disability compensation.
This is done according to a schedule, rating the injury’s severity. The person’s average weekly wage is used to calculate the final disability award. It’s important to have your disability rating correct for your Apex workers’ compensation ankle injury settlement.
Note: In the North Carolina workers’ compensation system, which applies in Apex, ankle disability is evaluated as an impairment of the foot. This category includes all injuries of the leg below the knee. Specific inquiries for the rating include ankylosis (joint immobility) and limitation of movement.
Lump Sum vs. Weekly Benefits for Ankle Injuries
If you receive a workers’ compensation settlement, it will likely be a lump sum award. A lump sum award pays the entire amount of compensation in a single payment. If medical care is included, the person can use the funds to receive their medical care going forward.
Alternatively, workers’ compensation can be paid weekly. Lost wages and disability compensation may be paid every week, as they accrue.
A person pursuing an ankle injury settlement should consider the pros and cons of lump sum vs. weekly benefits for ankle injuries. Weekly benefits prevent overspending and preserve the right to future medical care related to the injury. However, a lump sum settlement can give you more immediate access to funds and flexibility in spending.
How To Strengthen Your Workers’ Comp Claim
To strengthen your workers’ comp claim, report the workplace injury immediately. Make the report in writing. Follow instructions to receive medical care. As you receive healthcare, stay within restrictions. You may need additional documentation to support your inability to work, identify necessary medical care, and prove the extent of permanent disability.
Never miss a medical appointment. Keep records of the care you receive, required travel for medical care, and your improvement.
Apex workers’ comp claims have time deadlines. Follow the steps to take your claim to a hearing.
When To Consult an Apex Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner you will have a professional handling every aspect of your claim. An attorney can determine the value of your Apex workers’ compensation ankle injury settlement. They can take the steps to build your case, pursue your benefits, and respond to defenses.
Contact
If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys.
Discuss your case with an Apex workers’ compensation attorney. Get legal help now.
