According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the common ankle injury impacts more than 25,000 people on a daily basis. Slip and fall accidents are one of the highest reported causes for ankle injuries and broken bones treated in the emergency room. You could be entitled to compensation of you injured your ankle in a slip and fall accident due to another person’s negligence, as a trip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can explain.
Common Ankle Injuries
There are a number of injuries that the ankle can sustain in a slip and fall accident, the following outlines some of the most common:
1. Sprained Ankle
When an ankle is sprained it is due to the ligaments being torn or damaged. The ligaments are vital because they hold the bones and joints in place. Depending on the damage that is received there are 3 types of ankle sprains that range in severity.
Grade 1: A mild sprain is when the ligament is stretched. It often takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks for the injury the heal. Symptoms include: swelling and soreness.
Grade 2: A moderate sprain is when the ligament surrounding the ankle is partially torn.
Recovery from a moderate sprain can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for a full recovery.
Symptoms include: swelling and bruising.
Grade 3: A severe type of sprain where the ligament surrounding the ankle is torn completely. It can take a significant amount of time to recover from a grade 3 ankle sprain, 3-6 months. Symptoms include: bruising, swelling, and sharp ankle pain.
2. Fractured Ankle
An ankle fracture is when the ankle bone is broken either partially or completely. There are three types of bones that encompass the ankle: talus, fibula and tibia. A fractured ankle can range in severity from a mild fracture to a shattered ankle fracture, which can be much more severe and take a longer time to heal. In some situations, ankle fractures can have lasting side effects.
3. Strained Ankle
When an ankle is strained, it is the result of damage that has been done to the muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle. A strain does not usually happen as frequently as other types of ankle injuries.
Consulting with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer is advised if you have been victim to an ankle injury from a slip and fall accident. In order to get the award that you may be entitled to, a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA such as the slip and fall lawyer Minneapolis MN locals trust will help you to manage the legal complexities that come with filing a slip and fall lawsuit.
Thanks to authors at Johnston Martineau PLLP for their insight into Personal Injury Law.
