If you have suffered an ankle injury on the job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided through a special insurance that most employers must maintain to protect themselves and their employees. Workers’ compensation laws are set by each state, so they might vary somewhat. However, workers’ compensation does include medical benefits, which covers the cost of medical care for treatment of the injury. Also, a portion of the lost wages are covered. There are state maximum limits on how much a weekly payment can be, but it is usually about two-thirds the regular weekly rate up to the maximum amount. Determining the Value of Claim The value of workers’ compensation claims for ankle injuries can vary significantly. For example, a strained or sprained ankle is not going to be valued as much as a broken ankle that required surgical intervention. As an example, a severely sprained ankle might result in missing work for several days over a few weeks. A broken ankle that requires surgery could lead to months off work and might require additional medical care or surgery later. Sometimes a settlement is reached, and a lump sum is agreed on and the weekly payments are stopped. To do this, the doctors will guesstimate how long you will be off work. Then your weekly workers’ comp benefits, which are a portion of your regular pay, are determined. That figure will then be multiplied by the number of weeks that you will be out of work. That will determine the value of your claim. Sometimes, additional amounts are added in as well, such as those for future benefits that you will be willing to negotiate. Giving Up Future Benefits If you have suffered an ankle injury and your physician says there is a 25% likelihood that surgery will be needed in the next year, you can give up those future benefits for a dollar amount. As an example, that surgery might cost $10,000. You might agree to accept $5,000 now as part of your lump sum settlement with the understanding that workers’ compensation won’t pay for the surgery if you need it later. However, if you don’t have to undergo surgery, you still have those additional funds for giving up those benefits. Those kinds of decisions can also impact the calculation of your workers’ compensation amount for an ankle injury. A lawyer will help you figure out what is best. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have hurt your ankle while working, you will need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation claims are complicated, and you want to make sure you get access to all the benefits that you are entitled to receive. Strict statutes of limitations also apply. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so your case can be reviewed by a workers’ compensation attorney familiar with the workers’ comp laws in your state. Get your claim on the right track today – before it is too late! Additional Resources Top Tips for Applying for Workers’ Comp. With an Ankle Injury Do I Need an Attorney If I Broke My Ankle at Work?
