Slipping, tripping or falling when on another's property can lead to serious injuries. The ankle can be hurt in particular when victims turn and twist it unnaturally in the effort to stop their fall. New York residents who are contemplating a premises liability claim will want to know the different types of ankle injuries as this will be important when determining the extent of their own injuries.
The ankle joint is formed by three bones: tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia forms the inner anklebone and the fibula the outer while the talus is located on the foot. Bone fractures are one frequent form of injury and can involve any of these three bones. They cause severe pain and usually require a great deal of time to heal. In some cases, the victim may be left with a permanent mobility issue.
Connecting these bones are tendons and ligaments, and cushioning the bones is a joint capsule called the synovium. Any of this cartilage can be strained or sprained in a slip, trip or fall accident. Strains and sprains cause severe pain, too, and can compromise the function of the ankle for several months. Lastly, these tendons and ligaments can get torn, weakening the ankle.
In almost all cases of injury, there is obvious pain and suffering. This is one of the things that can be covered under premises liability law along with medical expenses and income lost during the physical recovery. Victims will need to show that their injuries are accident-related and that the accident was due to the property owner's negligence.
A lawyer may evaluate the case and calculate a fair amount for a settlement. The lawyer may be able to negotiate on the victim's behalf, preparing the case for court if negotiations fall through.