If you have suffered an ankle sprain while on the job, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation offers special insurance coverage that includes medical benefits, which will cover the costs of your medical expenses for treating your injury, and it covers a portion, usually about two-thirds the cost, of your regular salary. Workers’ compensation laws are set by the state, so they can vary significantly. Each state has its own maximum payable amount for the worker’s weekly wages. Foot and ankle injuries are common workplace injuries that can make working very difficult since your ability to walk and stand are affected, and most jobs require walking or standing to some extent. What to Do After a Workplace Ankle Sprain If you have suffered a sprained ankle on the job, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Your employer should have an approved list of workers’ compensation physicians posted in a prominent location. If you cannot find this list, ask your manager or supervisor for a copy. Failing to use a physician from the list can result in a loss of medical benefits. You will also need to properly notify your employer. Depending on your state, you might have to do this in writing, or verbally might be sufficient. This notification might be made to your manager or to the human resources department of your company, depending on the state laws and company policy. Completing an Accident Report for an Ankle Sprain for Workers’ Compensation You will need to make sure any witnesses give statements regarding what they saw. You will also need to give a detailed statement about your accident and how you were injured. These details will need to be included in the accident report completed by your employer. This report will need to be filed with your workers’ compensation claim. Your employer will need all the details surrounding the event and injury. As an example, if you slipped and fell from a ladder, you will also need to detail how you were injured. For example, when you fell backward from the ladder, your left ankle hit the metal rungs before you landed on the concrete floor with your ankle twisted backwards. Maintaining Documentation and Evidence to Support Your Ankle Sprain You will need to maintain documentation and evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim for your ankle sprain. This means you should keep a copy of the accident report completed by your employer, copies of medical records, and proof of missed work and lost wages. This documentation will support your claim and show your workplace ankle sprain resulted in lost wages and medical expenses. Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Ankle Sprain If you have suffered an ankle sprain while at work, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so you can have your case reviewed by an attorney who will know how to proceed with your claim. Additional Resources Tips for Filing Workers' Compensation for an Ankle Injury
