Slip-and-fall accidents are all too common in New York as elsewhere in the U.S. In these accidents, some of the most frequently cited injuries are ankle injuries. Injuries can be incurred to the bones, ligaments, tendons or synovium, which lines the joint encompassing the three bones of the ankle. The following is an overview of the different types of ankle injuries.
Strain and sprains are especially common. Ankle strain means that the ligaments have been stretched or twisted whereas a sprain refers to their complete or partial tearing. Both injuries will lead to severe pain and compromise one's ability to walk, sometimes for several months. There are also cases where the tendons that connect to the bones or cartilage may be torn, again leading to severe pain and a substantial recovery time.
Another possible injury is a fracture, where either the talus bone in the foot or one of the lower leg bones attached to the ankle joint is broken. Such an injury can result in permanent disability.
Slipping and tripping on an object can cause victims' ankle to roll, which could result in, fractures, sprains and tears. Bending the ankle at an unnatural angle is sometimes the result of victims trying to stop their falls.
When the negligence of the property owner is to blame for a slip-and-fall accident, victims may wonder if they are eligible for compensation. This is where they may want to speak with an attorney who works in premises liability law. The attorney might hire investigators to obtain proof of the other's negligence, which could range from the incident report to surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony. Victims may have their attorney attempt to negotiate for a fair settlement.