If you have suffered a broken ankle on the job, you may be unable to work for a while. You may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation. A broken ankle can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer must maintain workers’ compensation coverage to protect themselves and their employees in the event of a workplace injury or an occupational disease. Workers’ compensation insurance includes medical benefits to cover the cost of your medical care for your broken ankle, and it covers a portion of your lost wages, which usually is about two-thirds your regular salary up to the state maximum allowable amount. What You Should Do If You Suffered a Broken Ankle at Work If you have suffered a broken ankle at work, you might have to call an ambulance. A broken ankle can be serious, depending on the severity of the break. If you don’t have to call an ambulance, you will still need to get medical care as soon as possible. Your employer should have a list of approved workers’ compensation medical providers posted in a prominent location, such as by a time clock or in a breakroom. If you don’t see this list, you will need to ask a manager for a copy of it. Failing to see an approved physician could result in the loss of medical benefits. You must formally notify your employer of the accident as well. Sometimes this is done verbally and other times it must be done in writing. Who must be notified and how the notification process is handled depends on the state laws and your employer’s regulations. A Broken Ankle Can Qualify for Workers’ Compensation with an Accident Report When you have suffered an injury on the job, an accident report must be completed by your employer. You must give a detailed statement about the accident as well as how you were injured. As an example, say you were unloading a truck at the loading dock when you slipped on wet concrete. When you slipped, your right ankle twisted outward, and you fell sideways from the loading dock, landing on your side on the pavement below. You were unable to get up and noticed blood on your sock from the bone sticking through your skin. This accident report will be needed to accompany your workers’ compensation claim. Any eyewitnesses to the accident will also need to give detailed statements as well. Corroborating witnesses can help your broken ankle workers’ compensation claim. Your supervisor or human resources will complete the accident report. Maintaining Documentation to Support Your Broken Ankle Workers’ Compensation Claim You will need to keep copies of your medical records, a copy of the accident report, and documentation showing your missed work. These documents can serve as evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim. Evidence might be needed to help your claim in case it is denied or if benefits are stopped. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Broken Ankle If you have suffered a broken ankle, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your case reviewed by a local workers’ compensation attorney who will determine the best way to proceed with your claim.
