Foot and ankle injuries are some of the more common workplace injuries. If you have suffered a torn ankle ligament while on the job, you may be able to qualify for workers’ compensation. A torn ankle ligament can result in severe pain and keep you out of work for a lengthy time. A torn ankle ligament might require a customized brace, or it might even necessitate surgery to recover your loss of motion, function, and strength. Ligament injuries can be serious. States set their own laws regarding workers’ compensation, but most employers must maintain the special insurance coverage for their employees. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits, which covers the cost of treating your torn ankle ligament. It also covers about two-thirds of your regular salary, up to the maximum allowed by the state. What to Do After a Torn Ankle Ligament at Work A torn ankle ligament can affect your ability to walk or stand. You will need to seek immediate medical care. Your employer should have a list of approved workers’ compensation physicians that employees of their organization can use for their medical care. If you don’t see this list, don’t hesitate to ask your manager for a copy. Failing to use an approved physician could leave you responsible for covering the costs of your medical bills. You will need to also properly notify your employer in a timely manner. This might be done verbally or might be required in written form, depending on the regulations of your state. You must notify your employer in the specified time frame or you will lose benefits. Preparing a Statement for the Workers’ Compensation Accident Report About Your Torn Ankle Ligament If you have suffered a torn ankle ligament at work, you will need to prepare a statement for inclusion in the accident report. Write down a few notes regarding the incident as soon as possible while it is still fresh in your memory. What you say can affect your claim significantly. Detail much more than the accident. Also be specific about how you were injured. For example, your statement might say you were working in the factory when you slipped on a wet concrete floor. When you slipped your leg twisted inward and you felt your knee pop. You then fell on the concrete, landing on the outside of your leg and knee. Make Sure Your Employer is Aware of Any Witnesses to Your Accident If there were witnesses to the accident where you suffered a torn ankle ligament, you need to make sure your employer is aware of them. They will need to give statements for the accident report. You will need to keep a list of these witnesses because witnesses are beneficial in the case of a denied claim or if benefits are stopped for any reason. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Torn Ankle Ligament If you have suffered a torn ankle ligament in a workplace accident, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so your case can be properly reviewed by an experienced lawyer.
