In California personal injury cases, ankle injuries are a common type of claim and can range from minor sprains to serious fractures requiring surgery. Here’s a quick breakdown of how ankle injuries play into a personal injury claim in California:
✅ Common Types of Ankle Injuries in PI Cases:
- Sprains/Strains – stretching or tearing of ligaments/tendons
- Fractures – broken bones, including tibia, fibula, or talus
- Dislocations
- Torn ligaments – e.g., ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament)
- Post-traumatic arthritis – long-term damage from an injury
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – chronic pain condition after trauma
🔍 Common Causes in California PI Cases:
- Car accidents (especially T-bone or rollovers)
- Slip and falls (especially in grocery stores, sidewalks, etc.)
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
- Sports injuries (can become PI cases if caused by faulty equipment, poor supervision, etc.)
💵 Damages You Can Claim:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, X-rays, MRIs, surgery, physical therapy)
- Lost wages (time off work due to injury or recovery)
- Pain and suffering (including chronic pain or emotional distress)
- Loss of future earnings (if the injury impacts long-term ability to work)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
📅 Statute of Limitations in California:
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit
- If the injury involves a government entity (e.g., city sidewalk trip), you must file a government claim within 6 months
🩺 Proving the Injury:
- Medical records and expert testimony are key
- Documentation of treatment (e.g., orthopedic specialist, surgery reports)
- Evidence linking the injury directly to the incident
- Witnesses or video evidence can help establish liability
⚖️ How It Plays Out in Court or Settlements:
- Minor ankle injuries might settle for $10,000–$30,000
- Moderate to serious cases with fractures or surgery might settle for $50,000–$150,000+
- Severe cases with long-term effects or permanent disability can exceed $200,000+
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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