£23,000 Compensation For An Ankle Fracture
A 62 year old woman received £23,000 compensation for an ankle fracture after slipping and falling on the unsafe steps of a static caravan.
What happened?
In 2015, a 62-year-old lady successfully claimed compensation for an ankle fracture against a caravan park for an ankle injury that she had sustained after falling down the steps of a static caravan four years previously. Following the fall, her ankle was put in plaster and she was unable to work for over a week. She also required care and assistance for several weeks. Doctors expected her to return to normal life after the cast was taken off but she continued to experience pain and discomfort. This pain didn’t abate and so two years later she sought further medical advice.
After a bone scan, it became clear that the ankle bone had in fact not healed properly and there was nonunion of the bone. Nonunion is a serious complication indicating permanent failure of the bone to heal. It is a condition that almost always requires medical intervention, which is what happened in this case. A metal pin was needed to fix the bone in place. Following the surgery, the claimant was unable to work for 3 months and needed 3 months care and assistance. Although she gradually recovered, she is expected to continue suffering from mild pain and discomfort.
The caravan park accepted the claim of negligence, admitting that the steps had been unsafe and the case was settled out of court.
Accidents leading to compensation for an ankle fracture – what are the statistics?
Ankles can be damaged during a fall or trip whilst going about day to day activities. If it transpires that the fall or trip was fault of somebody else, then there is a strong chance that you can claim compensation. Ankles are most commonly damaged following:
- A slip, trip or fall either in a public place
- A slip, trip or fall in the workplace, which may make the employee eligible for a workers compensation settlement for a broken ankle.
- Broken pavements and potholes
- Road accident
- As a result of medical negligence
- Sporting injuries
Top 10 common caravan park injuries
Caravan park accident claims leading to compensation for an ankle fracture arise most commonly from one of these causes:
- Slips, trips and falls: These usually occur on unsafe caravan steps that don’t have any slip resistance, or uneven pavements.
- Spa pools and hot tubs: unsafe levels of bacteria can lead to skin infections and upset stomachs.
- Vehicle collision: most commonly with cyclists or with maintenance vans and buggies.
- Faulty equipment: defective electrical or gas equipment can lead to serious injuries.
- Winter hazards: ice can cause injuries where the ground hasn’t been gritted properly.
- Showers: wet areas become slippy and can cause falls where non-slip flooring hasn’t been installed.
- Play areas: without proper inspection and maintenance, play areas can become hazardous.
- Overhanging trees: untended branches can fall on tents, caravans and individuals.
- Traffic calming measures: if speed bumps are not signposted or brightly coloured they can lead to trips and falls.
- Leaf clearance: fallen leaves can conceal hazards such as potholes and manhole covers, leading to trips and falls.
What did the claimant claim for?
In her compensation for an ankle fracture case, the claimant claimed for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. She had been suffering from pain and discomfort for over two years and would continue to do so. She was awarded £16,700. Initially the claimant was unable to work for 8 days after her injury happened, following the surgery two years later, she was unable to work for a further 12 weeks. The claimant was awarded £3000 for loss of earnings. After the initial injury, the claimant needed care for several weeks and then for a further 12 weeks after the subsequent surgery. She was awarded £3000 for care and assistance. She was also awarded £300 for travel and miscellaneous costs. This added up to £23,000 in total.
Why does compensation for an ankle fracture vary?
Ankles are composed of bones, ligaments and tendons and form a highly complex structure. They are weight bearing and so very susceptible to injuries, in particular sprains, twists and bruising as well as more serious injuries such as dislocation, breaks and fractures. Injuries to ankles usually affect the individual’s ability to get around. The difference between a major and minor injury is usually indicated by the time it is expected to take the injury to heal. All of these details are taken into account when it comes to establishing ankle injury compensation amounts. The two main points that are considered are financial expenses which includes medical bills, loss of earnings and travel expenses and pain and suffering which relates to any loss of quality in lifestyle and restriction of movement.
Using a basic ankle injury compensation calculator you can check the average settlement for a broken ankle and establish, what’s broken ankle worth? However, it is essential you use these types of calculator as a guide only.
Claiming against a caravan park for compensation for an ankle fracture, what’s involved.
Unfortunately, accidents happen even when we’re away having fun on holiday. If you should suffer an ankle injury whilst staying in a caravan park, keep a log of everything that has happened, for example the location, cause of the injury the dates and times. Try to identify witnesses and ensure that you contact the owner to tell them what has happened. If you get medical assistance, ensure you keep any notes and records. Our helpful and experienced team will be able to use this information help you to establish the liability of the caravan park for causing your injury. Be careful about accepting any immediate offer from the caravan park owner, for example a free holiday, as you may be entitled to claim more.
No win, no fee compensation for an ankle fracture – what you need to know
We don’t want to add to the trauma that you have already suffered as a result of your accident so we offer a no win no fee service. This means that unless you win your case you won’t pay as a penny. If you do win, we simply deduct the cost from your compensation package.
Call Legal Expert for free advice on compensation for an ankle fracture
Our team of experts would love to advise you on whether you are eligible to claim compensation for an ankle fracture. If you think you may be entitled to claim compensation, please call us for free advice on how to proceed on 0800 073 8804. We’re here to help from 9am – 9pm 7 days a week. You can also use our online chat 7 days a week if you prefer.
Helpful Links
Caravan Park Compensation Guide
Whether you’re looking to claim compensation for an ankle fracture, or another injury in a caravan park, this guide reveals all you need to know.
The NHS page on broken ankles allows you to browse information on this type of injury and gives advice on care.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Fracture?
Find out how much compensation you can claim for a fracture also get free legal advice today.
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