Ankle injury claims
An ankle injury can have a significant impact on your ability to work, walk comfortably, participate in sport, and carry out everyday activities.
Whether your injury resulted from a road traffic accident, workplace accident, or slip and fall, you may be entitled to bring an ankle injury claim if another party’s negligence caused your injury.
The value of an ankle injury claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the treatment required, your recovery, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Compensation in Ireland is assessed using the Personal Injuries Guidelines together with the specific facts of your case.
Factors affecting an ankle injury claim
Source: Personal Injuries Guidelines
When assessing an ankle injury claim, the following factors are commonly considered:
- Age.
- Severity and duration of pain.
- Medical treatment required, including surgery, physiotherapy, and medication.
- Scarring or cosmetic impact.
- Joint instability.
- Limitation of movement.
- Risk of future osteoarthritis or degenerative changes.
- Effect on employment and earning capacity.
- Impact on daily activities, hobbies, and sport.
- Long-term prognosis and recovery.
Compensation amounts
Source: Personal Injuries Guidelines
Severe ankle injuries (€70,000 to €100,000)
Examples include:
- Transmalleolar fractures with extensive soft tissue damage.
- Injuries resulting in significant deformity.
- Fractures requiring arthrodesis (joint fusion).
- Severe injuries carrying a risk of amputation.
Serious ankle injuries (€45,000 to €70,000)
Examples include:
- Fractures requiring surgery with plates or screws.
- Significant ligament damage requiring reconstruction.
- Long-term ankle instability.
- Permanent limitation of walking ability.
Moderate ankle injuries (€20,000 to €45,000)
Examples include:
- Fractures with ongoing symptoms.
- Ligament tears causing moderate disability.
- Persistent pain or stiffness.
- Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.
- Irritation from surgical metalwork.
- Increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Minor ankle injuries
Compensation depends largely on recovery time:
- Recovery within two to five years: €12,000 to €20,000.
- Recovery within six months to two years: €6,000 to €12,000.
- Recovery within six months: €500 to €3,000.
The value of every ankle injury claim depends on the individual medical evidence and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a ligament tear and a fracture in an ankle injury claim?
A ligament tear is a soft tissue injury affecting the ligaments that stabilise the ankle, while a fracture involves a break in one or more bones, such as the tibia, fibula, or talus.
Although both injuries may give rise to an ankle injury claim, fractures requiring surgery or resulting in permanent instability generally attract higher compensation under the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
Can I claim for ankle instability that developed after my original injury?
Yes. Chronic ankle instability that develops following an accident may form part of an ankle injury claim where it is medically linked to the original injury.
Medical evidence from an orthopaedic specialist will usually be required to establish that connection before any settlement is agreed.
How is the future risk of osteoarthritis considered in an ankle injury claim?
When medical evidence confirms that an ankle injury has increased the likelihood of developing post traumatic osteoarthritis, this may increase the value of an ankle injury claim.
The court considers the long-term prognosis together with the likelihood and severity of future symptoms.
Can I bring an ankle injury claim after slipping in a shopping centre?
Yes. Owners and occupiers of shopping centres owe visitors a duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act 1995.
If your accident resulted from hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor maintenance, or inadequate lighting, you may be entitled to pursue an ankle injury claim.
Photographs, CCTV footage, witness statements, and incident reports can all assist in proving liability.
Can I recover the cost of surgery and physiotherapy as part of an ankle injury claim?
Yes. In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, an ankle injury claim may include special damages such as:
- Medical expenses.
- Surgery costs.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
- Prescription medication.
- Travel expenses.
- Loss of earnings.
- Future treatment costs where supported by medical evidence.
