If someone’s negligence caused your sprained ankle, you may have a case.
A sprained ankle can happen if you step on an uneven surface or step down at an angle. If a property owner had an uneven surface on the property and it should’ve been even, they may be liable for your sprained ankle.
They may also be liable if they have a step down on their property without a proper warning. A sprain happens when a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its usual range.
A ligament is elastic. A bad sprain results in tearing of the elastic fibers.
Which Accidents Can Cause a Sprained Ankle?
Ankle sprains can happen in any accident that causes the foot to turn, roll or twist beyond its normal range.
If someone’s carelessness caused your fall, and you aren’t able to stand on that foot, this increases the full value of your case for settlement purposes. Pain and swelling also increase the full case value.
3 Grades of a Sprain
The value of your ankle sprain depends on the grade of your sprain.
Grade 1 sprain
In a grade 1 sprain, there is slight stretching and some damage to the fibers of the ligament. These ankle sprains are generally worth the least.
Grade 1 sprains are worth the least because you have minimal tenderness and swelling, and minimal impairment. You generally have minimal medical treatment.
Grade 2 sprain
In a grade 2 sprain, there is partial tearing of the ligament. A grade 2 sprain is typically worth more than a grade 1 sprain.
Grade 2 sprains are worth more because you have more tenderness and swelling. You have less range of motion and your ankle may be unstable. You can use an air splint to walk.
Grade 3 sprain
There is a total tear of the ligament. If the doctor pushes or pulls on your ankle joint in certain motions, you’ll have total instability. Grade 3 sprains are typically worth more than Grade 2 sprains.
Grade 3 sprains are worth more because you:
- Have a lot of swelling, tenderness and instability.
- Have severe impairment.
- Have a complete rupture/tear of the ligament.
- Your ankle must be immobilized (you can’t walk).
- Need more physical therapy than in a Grade 2
- May Possibly Need Surgery
Doctor Examination
If you think you may have an ankle sprain, you should go to the doctor. This will help get your injury documented.
In addition, in most Florida car accident cases, you need to treat within 14 days of the crash or you lose you PIP benefits.
The doctor may take X-rays to see if you have a broken bone in your ankle or foot. A broken bone may have the same symptoms of swelling and pain.
If you don’t have a fracture, your doctor may be able to let you know the grade of your ankle sprain from your bruising, pain and swelling.
If the doctor thinks that you have a severe injury to the ligaments, injury to the joint surface, a tiny bone chip or other issue, he or she may order an MRI scan.
Medical Treatment
Most ankle sprains just need 4 to 6 weeks to heal. If the doctor tells you to start moving the ankle to prevent stiffness, follow his instructions.
Otherwise, the insurance company will argue that you failed to mitigate your damages, and your case’s value should be reduced accordingly.
A complete ligament tear can heal without surgery if the ankle is immobilized properly.
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