What is the Average Cost of a Broken Ankle?

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If you have broken your ankle in a work-related accident, you are aware of the expenses related to treating such injury. According to CostHelper, a broken ankle that requires a cast but does not involve surgery can cost $2,500 or more.

An X-ray can cost as much as $180, but there are some radiology centers and hospitals that charge $1,000 or more for such diagnostic services.

A typical office visit with a physician for such care is about $90 to $100 with treatment ranging from $250 to $1,000. However, a broken ankle that requires surgical intervention can cost $11,000 to $20,000 or even more.

Even if a patient has health insurance, the copays and deductibles can add up.

Being Injured on the Job

If you have suffered a broken ankle while working, workers’ compensation will cover the costs of your medical bills. Without workers’ compensation, you might find yourself in a financial bind.

Also, while you are recovering from a broken ankle you will most likely be unable to work for a while. Workers’ compensation will cover a portion of your lost wages. Usually, that is about two-thirds of your regular pay up to the stay maximum allowable amounts.

Workers’ compensation payments are usually made on a weekly basis, but sometimes a settlement can be reached. When you agree to a settlement, you will receive a lump sum payment in lieu of weekly benefits.

Sometimes a settlement means agreeing to give up future benefits. As an example, your doctor might say there is a 20% chance you will need additional ankle surgery in the future.

You agree to take a set dollar amount for that benefit understanding that workers’ comp will not cover the cost of the surgery in the future if you do need it.

What to Do if You Break Your Ankle at Work

If you have suffered a broken ankle at work, you need to seek medical care right away.

There is an approved list of physicians that provide workers’ compensation services for your employer. This list should be available in an easy to see area, such as a break room or by a time clock. If it is not, ask your supervisor for a copy of the list.

You need to notify your supervisor about the accident as quickly as possible, so an accident report can be completed. Make sure the report is accurate and that any witnesses are also interviewed for statements.

What is the Average Cost of a Broken Ankle?

How Much Does Ankle Surgery Cost?

One of the most significant factors that determine the cost of ankle surgery is where the surgery takes place. Having surgery on a broken ankle at an inpatient facility such as a hospital or surgery center typically costs more than a surgery performed in an outpatient setting by a licensed orthopedic surgeon.

The national average cost for ankle surgery in the United States, is $23,936, with prices for the medical procedure running between $14,730 and $40,507.

The average cost for outpatient ankle surgery is $19,610, while the average cost for inpatient ankle surgery is nearly $30,000.

How much you pay for ankle surgery plays a prominent role in determining how much you should ask for in terms of workers’ compensation.

Other factors that determine the cost of ankle surgery include your health insurance status and the location where you underwent the medical procedure. You can expect to pay more for ankle surgery if you have the medical procedure performed outside your health insurance network.

How Much Should I Settle for a Broken Ankle?

Answering the question, “How much should I settle for a broken ankle” depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of treatments, and how long the injury forces you out of work.

Settling an insurance claim and a civil lawsuit saves you both time and money. For an insurance claim, reaching a settlement shortens the claim process, while it also helps you avoid taking your case to the trial phase of the litigation process.

Negotiating a settlement requires the legal skills of a workers’ compensation attorney. Your legal counsel conducts a thorough review of the medical records released by the orthopedic surgeon who mended your broken ankle. Some ankle injuries require an additional surgery to repair extensive damage.

Settling a workers’ comp claim involves gathering and organizing medical evidence, such as the results of diagnostic tests, as well as detailed descriptions of treatments and physical therapy sessions. Copies of your medical bills also are a factor in establishing a value for a settlement offer.

A broken ankle kept you out of work until the injury healed. The time you missed from work is another factor that determines the value of a settlement offer.

Your lawyer needs to obtain copies of your employer’s timekeeping records, as well as copies of your monthly bank statements to calculate a reasonable value for lost wages.

If the incident that caused you to fracture your ankle has triggered emotional distress, you should include a value for pain and suffering when your attorney submits the offer for compensation.

Negotiating a settlement, whether it is for a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, starts with your legal counsel submitting an offer. The lawyer representing your employer either accepts the offer or proposes a counteroffer.

Negotiations often include several rounds of counteroffers submitted by both parties until they find common ground that leads to a settlement.

Reaching a legal settlement can happen during the discovery phase of a civil lawsuit, which is when both parties meet to exchange evidence and witness statements.

For workers’ compensation claims, both parties reach a settlement before a workers’ compensation board releases its decision concerning the value of a claim.

Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have suffered a broken ankle at work, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation claims are complicated, so an attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim.

Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so an attorney can review your case. A lawyer will review your accident and your injuries, working to get you a fair settlement for your broken ankle workers’ compensation claim.

Time is of the essence as a statute of limitations applies, so get your claim underway today.

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