Learn about the types of ankle injuries that may occur in a slip and fall accident
Have you suffered an ankle injury due to the negligence of another party? An ankle injury can have a big impact on your mobility. You may be laid up for just a few days or you may actually end up with permanent limitations to the flexibility of your ankle. In either case, you deserve compensation, not only for the pain of the initial injury, but also for the time that you are unable to walk freely, work, and enjoy a normal daily life.
Anatomy of an Ankle
The ankle is a fairly complex joint consisting of three bones called the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. These bones are encased in a membrane called the joint capsule. Within this joint capsule is a layer called the synovium, which contains fluid that helps the bones move over one another smoothly when you walk. Several ligaments and tendons hold the joint together.
Types of Ankle Injuries
There are a variety of different types of injuries that can affect the ankle, depending on what parts of the ankle are damaged. The three most common types of ankle injuries are:
- Sprains/Strains: This type of ankle injury will occur if you bend your ankle awkwardly, causing the ligaments to become stretched or damaged. A sprained ankle can be quite painful, and depending on the severity of the damage to the ligaments, you may have difficulty moving your ankle normally for weeks or months.
- Fractures: Any one of the three bones that make up the ankle joint may be fractured in a slip and fall accident. Fractures of these bones may be very serious and healing may be difficult. Even after a substantial recovery period, some individuals may be left with permanent mobility limitations after suffering a fractured ankle.
- Tears: If the tendons or cartilage in the ankle joint get torn, this can weaken the joint significantly. This type of injury is typically very painful and will require a lengthy recovery period.
Causes of Ankle Injuries
Any type of slip and fall or trip and fall accident has the potential to result in an ankle injury, depending on how the victim falls and what kinds of stress are placed on the joint. Often, people try to catch themselves as they fall by stepping down hard, which places a lot of stress on the ankles. If the ankles are turned or twisted unnaturally as the individual steps down, injury may result. It’s also possible to roll an ankle in the process of a fall, which may cause sprains, tears, or even a fracture.
Need Help Securing Compensation?
If you have suffered a slip and fall ankle injury due to the negligence of a property owner, you can and should consult an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your claim. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we can help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability for your accident, establish the extent of your suffering, and maximize your compensation. To learn more, call us at 800-333-0000 today.
