If you suffered an ankle injury while working, you are eligible to pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state, but most U.S. employers must maintain the special insurance coverage for their workers. Workers’ compensation offers protection to the worker and the employer as well. You will need to follow specific protocol established by the state in order to file your claim and access workers’ compensation benefits after an ankle injury on the job. You should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you through the claims process. What to do if You Suffer an Ankle Injury at Work If you hurt your ankle while on the job, you should notify your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. In most states, you have anywhere from a few days to a few months to make the notification. Of course, the sooner you tell your employer the better off you will be. Some states require that the notification be made in writing while others indicate verbal notification is adequate. Your workers’ compensation lawyer will know the requirements of your state, so he or she will make sure the notification is legal and appropriate. The next step is to establish medical care. You should establish medical care right away as that is imperative for a successful claim. Failing to establish medical care right away is damaging, as it might make it look as though your injuries aren’t serious or that you weren’t hurt on the job when you indicated you were. The Accident Report for Your Ankle Injury at Work Your employer will be required to complete an accident report regarding your injury. You must give a statement for this report. Your statement should be detailed. As an example, you were climbing a ladder in the warehouse to get some merchandise from the top shelf. As you stepped down with the box, your right ankle twisted and hit the side of the metal ladder. It then threw you off the ladder, causing you to fall when your ankle gave way. When you fell onto the floor, your ankle was in extreme pain and you were unable to get up without help and support. Be sure your employer is aware of any witnesses to the incident as well because eyewitnesses can improve your success rate for a workers’ compensation claim for an ankle injury at work. Filing Your Claim for Workers’ Compensation after an Ankle Injury You will have to file your claim for workers’ compensation after an ankle injury in a timely manner. There are strict statutes of limitations for pursuing such claims. Depending on your state laws, you might file the claim directly with your employer or your might file in with the state labor department or workers’ compensation board. Your workers’ compensation attorney can handle the entire claims process and ensure everything is filed properly and timely. Get your Free Case Evaluation with a workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in your area! Additional Resources Tips for Filing Workers' Compensation for an Ankle Injury Workers' Compensation Filing Process Ankle Injuries and Workers' Compensation
