Below are some typical scenarios in which you might be able to claim ankle injury compensation:

• Workplace accidents: if your ankle injury occurred in the workplace due to inadequate safety measures, faulty equipment or lack of training, you could have grounds for a claim.
• Road traffic accidents: injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, either as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, can often lead to ankle injury claims if another party was at fault.
• Slips, trips and falls: if you've slipped or tripped on an uneven surface, or fallen due to an obstacle that shouldn't have been there, you could potentially claim compensation for any resulting ankle injuries.
• Sports and recreational activities: you may be eligible for compensation if your ankle injury was the result of negligent conduct or inadequate safety measures during organised sports or recreational activities.
• Public spaces: injuries sustained in public or private properties due to poor maintenance, such as broken stairs or a lack of proper signage, can also qualify for an ankle injury claim.
• Product liability: if your ankle injury was caused by a defective product, such as faulty footwear or sports equipment, you could make a claim against the manufacturer.

An ankle injury can range from a minor sprain to severe fractures and ligament damage, but what exactly constitutes a 'serious' ankle injury in the eyes of the law? Below are some criteria that can help define a serious ankle injury in the context of a compensation claim:

• Complex fractures: fractures that involve multiple bones, require surgical intervention, or lead to permanent deformity are generally considered serious.
• Ligament damage: severe ligament damage that requires reconstructive surgery and leads to prolonged disability can constitute a serious injury.
• Chronic conditions: conditions like osteoarthritis, triggered or worsened by the ankle injury, can also be considered serious due to their long-term impact on your wellbeing.
• Nerve damage: if the injury has caused nerve damage leading to numbness, weakness or chronic pain, it may qualify as a serious ankle injury.
• Loss of mobility: injuries that significantly impede your ability to walk, or require the use of mobility aids like crutches or a wheelchair, are often categorised as serious.
• Long-term or permanent effects: any ankle injury that leads to long-term or permanent disability, affects your ability to work, or substantially impacts your quality of life can be deemed serious.

Time is of the essence when it comes to making a personal injury claim for an ankle injury. Understanding the legal time limits can be crucial for the success of your claim. Here's what you need to know:

Standard time limit

The general rule for personal injury claims, including ankle injuries, is that you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim. Failing to do so within this period may result in your claim being time-barred.

Exceptions for under-18s

If the injured person is under 18, the three-year time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. A parent or guardian can also make a claim on their behalf before they turn 18.

Mental capacity

For those lacking mental capacity, the three-year time limit does not apply until (or if) they regain mental capacity. Someone with legal authority may also make a claim on their behalf.

Starting a claim for ankle injury compensation may seem like a daunting process, but with the right guidance, it can be relatively straightforward. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Seek medical attention

The first and foremost priority is your health. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as this will also serve as official documentation of your injuries, which is important for your claim.

Step 2: Document the incident

Gather all possible evidence that can support your claim. This could include photographs of the accident site, witness statements and any relevant reports such as a police report or an accident report in the workplace.

Step 3: Consult a specialist solicitor

Contact a solicitor specialising in personal injury claims, such as the experts at JMW. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess the viability of your claim and guide you through the process.

Step 4: Investigation and evidence gathering

Upon agreeing to take on your case, we will initiate a thorough investigation, gathering all necessary evidence, including medical reports and financial documents, to substantiate your claim.

Step 5: Initiating the claim

We will send a Letter of Claim to the party responsible for your ankle injury, laying out the grounds for your claim. They will typically have up to 21 days to acknowledge the claim and may have a further three months to investigate before they must admit or deny liability.

Step 6: Negotiation and settlement

If liability is admitted after the reviewing of medical evidence, we will negotiate the best possible compensation package for you. This may include not only a settlement for your injuries but also for any financial losses you've incurred, such as lost wages or medical expenses.

Step 7: Legal proceedings

If an agreement can't be reached, we may recommend proceeding to court. However, a significant majority of cases are settled without the need for a court hearing.