A broken ankle is a painful and often debilitating injury that can lead to long recovery times, surgery, and lasting mobility issues — and it’s a common focus in California personal injury cases, especially after car accidents, or slip-and-fall incidents. If someone else’s negligence caused your ankle fracture, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
🦶 What Is a Broken Ankle?
A broken ankle involves a fracture in one or more of the three bones that form the ankle joint:
- Tibia – shinbone (inner part of the ankle)
- Fibula – smaller bone on the outside of the lower leg
- Talus – bone that connects the foot to the leg bones
Common Types of Ankle Fractures:
- Lateral malleolus fracture (outer ankle, fibula)
- Medial malleolus fracture (inner ankle, tibia)
- Bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures (multiple parts broken)
- Displaced fracture (bones out of alignment)
- Compound fracture (bone breaks through the skin)
🚗 Common Causes in Personal Injury Claims
Broken ankles often happen due to:
- Slip-and-fall accidents (on wet floors, uneven surfaces)
- Car or motorcycle crashes
- Defective stairs, sidewalks, or flooring
- Bicycle or pedestrian collisions
⚖️ Legal Basis in a California Personal Injury Case
To win a personal injury case for a broken ankle, you must show:
- The defendant owed a duty of care
- They breached that duty (e.g., by being negligent or reckless)
- That breach caused your ankle injury
- You suffered damages (physical, financial, or emotional)
💰 Compensation You May Be Entitled To
🔹 Economic Damages
- ER treatment and orthopedic care
- Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Surgery (pins, plates, screws if needed)
- Casts, boots, or mobility aids (crutches, scooter, wheelchair)
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Home modifications (e.g., temporary ramps or walk-in showers)
🔹 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Emotional distress and mental strain
- Loss of enjoyment of life (especially if you’re active or athletic)
- Disfigurement or scarring
🔹 Punitive Damages
May apply in cases of gross negligence (e.g., drunk driving, unsafe premises knowingly ignored).
🧾 Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
Because some fractures don’t show visible damage like a laceration might, clear documentation is essential.
✅ Key Evidence:
- Medical records, including emergency room and orthopedic notes
- X-rays and surgical reports
- Physical therapy notes
- Doctor’s prognosis for recovery or permanent impairment
- Photos of the accident scene and injuries
- Witness statements
- Documentation of missed work or modified duties
👨⚖️ Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Broken ankle cases may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often:
- Downplay the injury
- Blame pre-existing conditions or your actions
- Offer lowball settlements
A California personal injury attorney can:
- Ensure your injury is properly valued (especially if surgery or long recovery is required)
- Handle insurance company negotiations
- Bring in expert testimony if your case goes to trial
- Maximize your financial recovery
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].