Workers’ Compensation for Ankle Injury in PA

PA Workers’ Compensation Ankle Injury Attorney

If you’ve hurt your ankle or developed ankle issues from being on your feet all day at work, you don’t have to ignore it. Instead, you can seek treatment for a painful sprain, broken bone or any other issue. If you’ve suffered a hurt ankle on the job in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation.

Workplace ankle injuries can significantly impact your mobility, ability to work and quality of life. Understanding your legal rights to ankle injury compensation is essential for your recovery and financial stability. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can advise you on your rights. 

Can You Claim Workers’ Comp for Sprained Ankles?

Yes. You need to follow the right steps to qualify for an ankle injury at work compensation in PA. The process begins with reporting the injury to your boss immediately at work, as you must provide notification in a timely manner to receive workers’ comp benefits.

Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, most employees are covered from their first day on the job. This coverage applies whether you work full-time, part-time or seasonally. Even if you believe you might have contributed to your own injury, Pennsylvania’s no-fault workers’ compensation system still entitles you to benefits in most cases.

Next, you should visit a doctor to have your injury evaluated. If your employer does not hand you a list of “panel doctors,” then you can see your preferred physician. You may think the injury is not a big deal and something you can “tough out,” but you should still go to a doctor to have it examined. Many people find that what they thought were minor injuries are hairline fractures or something even more serious, and their trip to the doctor helps.

A physician can attest that your injury makes it difficult to do your job. You’ll also need to prove that the injury happened while you were at work, which is another reason reporting the incident to your boss is a best practice.

Common workplace scenarios that frequently lead to ankle injuries include:

• Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces.
• Tripping over obstacles in walkways or work areas.
• Ankle twists while navigating uneven surfaces.
• Injuries from falling objects.
• Repetitive stress from prolonged standing or walking.
• Accidents involving workplace vehicles or equipment.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Sprained Ankle

To successfully file a workers’ compensation claim for your ankle injury in Pennsylvania, follow these critical steps:

1. Report your injury to your supervisor or employer within 120 days, though immediate reporting is strongly recommended.
2. Seek medical attention promptly, ensuring proper documentation of your injury.
3. Provide accurate details about how the injury occurred during work duties.
4. Follow all prescribed medical treatments and attend all appointments.
5. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments and work absences.

The typical timeline for a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania begins with your employer notifying their insurance carrier of your injury. Within 21 days, the insurance company must accept or deny your claim. If the claim is accepted, you should start receiving benefits. If it’s denied, you have the right to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

When facing a denied claim, don’t lose hope. Some reasons for denial are disputes about whether the injury happened at work, missed deadlines or disagreements about the severity of your condition. An appeal begins by filing a Claim Petition, followed by hearings before a workers’ compensation judge. Having experienced legal representation during this process significantly increases your chances of a successful appeal.

What Type of Ankle Injury Warrants a Workers’ Comp Claim? 

Any ankle injury that interferes with your ability to perform your job could qualify for workers’ compensation. These conditions may include:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Strains
• Torn ligaments
• Crush Injuries

Many different situations can cause these injuries. For example, employers sometimes fail to provide proper training to employees, who are left to figure things out for themselves. You could try to operate a new piece of equipment and hurt your ankle. Trips, slips and falls are common causes of ankle injuries on the job in Pennsylvania. No matter the situation, you may qualify for workers’ compensation.      

The benefits of hiring a specialized workers’ compensation attorney for your ankle injury case include:

• Expert guidance through the complex legal process.
• Proper valuation of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Skilled negotiation with insurance companies that may try to minimize your benefits.
• Professional representation if your claim requires hearings or appeals.
• Protection against potential retaliation from employers.
• Assistance with related benefits you may qualify for, such as Social Security Disability.

Recovery Times and Sprained Ankle Claims

When seeking workers’ comp for sprained ankle injuries, understanding the recovery process is crucial. Recovery times for workers’ comp sprained ankle cases vary significantly based on the severity of the injury:

• Grade 1 (mild) sprains may heal in 2-4 weeks.
• Grade 2 (moderate) sprains typically require 4-6 weeks.
• Grade 3 (severe) sprains can take 8-12 weeks or longer.

Your doctor will determine how long you should remain off work based on your specific injury and job requirements. Some positions may allow for modified duty with restrictions like no prolonged standing or walking, while others may require complete rest until sufficient healing occurs.

Medical Costs and Compensation Coverage

Workers’ compensation for ankle injuries in Pennsylvania typically covers:

• All reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs.
• Prescription medications.
• Medical devices like crutches, braces or walking boots.
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
• Surgical procedures when necessary.

The compensation amount for injuries varies based on several factors, subject to state-established maximum and minimum rates. Pennsylvania uses a schedule of benefits for specific losses, which may apply to permanent ankle injuries.

Factors that influence your compensation amount include:

• The severity of your ankle injury (sprain, fracture or more serious damage).
• Your pre-injury wages.
• Your ability to return to work, either in your previous position or in a modified role.
• The anticipated duration of your disability.
• Whether you have any permanent impairment.

Get in Touch With Frommer D’Amico

When you get hurt on the job, speaking to one of our workers’ comp lawyers can help you move through the process of applying for workers’ compensation. They’ll help you determine whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation and how to secure the money you deserve if so.

We offer free, no-obligation case reviews to evaluate your ankle injury claim and explain your legal options. Our attorneys have successfully secured over $50 million in compensation for injured Pennsylvania workers.

With proper medical care and expert legal representation, you can focus on recovery while we handle the complex legal aspects of your claim. Our specialized knowledge of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law ensures you have the strongest possible advocacy during this challenging time.

Our experienced team of workers’ compensation lawyers handles only this type of case and represents only employees. We offer competitive fees and can travel to your location to meet with you, coming straight to your door if your ankle pain is keeping you from easy mobility. We want to understand what happened and see how we can aid you, which is why we make sure you can reach our offices 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us today at 717-400-1405 or contact us online to get started.