If you have suffered an ankle injury while on the job, you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. While each state sets its own laws regarding workers’ compensation, most employers are required to maintain the special insurance coverage to protect themselves and their workers. This coverage is available to employees at no additional cost. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits, which cover the cost of medical expenses related to the treatment of your workplace injury, and it also covers a portion of your lost wages. Usually, wage coverage is about two-thirds your regular salary up to the state maximum allowable payout. Settling a Claim Sometimes a settlement can be reached in lieu of weekly payments. To do this, your injuries are considered along with how long you will be out of work. Future medical care is also considered. Sometimes future benefits are given up in lieu of a settlement. For example, if you have an ankle injury that has a 10% of requiring surgery in the future, you might be able to forego the coverage for the surgical procedure in lieu of a lump sum payout. To negotiate a fair settlement, you will need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney who is familiar with handling such claims. Foot and ankle injuries are very common in the workplace and might range from sprains and strains to muscle or ligament damage to broken bones or even crushed bones. Nerve damage or other serious injuries can affect you for years to come. After a settlement is reached, it usually takes 30 to 60 days for the insurance company to issue the check. The Value of a Claim The value of a claim is dependent on several factors, such as the extent of the injuries, the need for future medical care, and how much work will be missed. As an example, if your doctor says you will not be able to work for a year, then the value of your weekly compensation payable by workers’ comp. is multiplied by 52 to come up with a total for your lost wages value. Then, as previously mentioned, you might give up future benefits to have those values added onto your lump sum payment. After you have reached a settlement, you cannot file an additional claim. It is imperative to make sure you have all your future expenses figured into the amount. Your workers’ compensation attorney will make sure you get treated fairly. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you have suffered an ankle injury while on the job, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. These claims are complicated, so don’t risk losing access to your benefits. Workers’ comp attorneys work on a contingency basis, so they are not paid until you get paid. You have nothing to lose, so schedule your free case review today. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details shared with a lawyer who will review the facts of your case and suggest how you should proceed. Only a lawyer will know the true value of your case and will be able to get it settled. Additional Resources Can You File a Claim for Pain and Suffering With an Ankle Injury? What is the Average Cost of a Broken Ankle?
