Sacramento Ankle Sprain Lawyer

The ankle joint is made up of the articulation of the talus, fibula, and tibia. The three ligamentous systems responsible for the stabilization of the ankle joint include the syndesmotic ligaments, medial deltoid ligament, and the lateral ligament complex. The most common injury to the ankle has been found to involve the lateral ligament complex, which undergoes stress from an inversion of the ankle. The lateral complex is composed of the posterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and anterior talofibular ligament. The anterior talofibular ligament is the weakest of the three that make up the lateral complex. About 70 percent of lateral ankle sprain cases involve this ligament and a mechanism of plantar inversion and flexion. The calcaneofibular ligament has been found to sustain injuries from inversion and dorsiflexion mechanisms. The least commonly injured ligament of the lateral complex is the posterior talofibular ligament. Failure to treat a sprained ankle may lead to a weakening of the ankle and increase the risk of future injury.

Suffered an ankle sprain in a recent accident? Our attorneys at AutoAccident.com have decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases in California and can help you with yours too. Call now for free, friendly case advice from one of our lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Since 1982, our law firm has been dedicated to assisting families in Sacramento County and across California whose lives have been affected by accidents resulting in traumatic injury or death. Our approach to personal injury cases allows us to establish a meaningful connection with our clients to understand the true impact that a crash has had on their lives. From there, we build strong and compelling cases against negligent parties to hold them accountable for the damages their actions have caused. When you work with us at AutoAccident.com, you will have a skilled and compassionate legal team handling your case and working toward a favorable resolution on your behalf. We are here to help you seek the justice and maximum compensation that you need to put a traumatic event behind you. Remember that free, friendly advice is only a phone call away, so do not delay reaching out to our experienced personal injury lawyers to discuss your ankle sprain case.

A sprained ankle most often involves an injury to the calcaneofibular ligament or the anterior talofibular ligament. Some of the most common causes of an ankle sprain include exercising or walking on an uneven surface, a slip and fall accident causing a sudden twisting movement of the ankle, and landing in an awkward position on the foot after pivoting or jumping. The severity of a sprained ankle will depend on the position of the foot, mechanism of injury, and rotational force that acts on the joints and the ligamentous structures responsible for stabilization.

Grade I and Grade II are those injuries that are classified as low grade and may result in microscopic tears or stretching of the stabilizing ligaments. Conversely, Grade III are those injuries that involve high-energy events and may result in a compromise of the syndesmotic structures. A fracture of the foot or ankle and complete disruptions in the tendons may occur in cases involving the greatest of energy scenarios.

The signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain will be dependent on the extent of the injury. These may include but are not limited to:

• Bruising, pain, and swelling
• Instability in the affected ankle
• Restriction on range of motion
• Tenderness to the touch

If you suffered an injury to the ankle in a recent accident and suspect a sprain, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your physician will assess your injury and determine a treatment plan most appropriate for your situation.

In an initial encounter with a patient presenting with an ankle injury, a physician will investigate the mechanism of injury and whether it involved direct contact, rotational stressing, eversion, or inversion. The medical professional will also consider the patient’s history of past trauma to the ankle and their weight-bearing ability after the injury.

The physician will conduct a physical exam that includes functional testing, palpation, and inspection. To rule out a Lisfranc injury, a physician will evaluate the foot and palpate it for potential associated injuries. This should include the midfoot, navicular, and fifth metatarsal and its base.

The Ottawa Ankle Rules have been found to be effective in the clinical diagnosis of ankle and foot fractures to decrease the utilization of x-ray imaging. This method suggests the ordering of radiographs if the patient is experiencing pain or tenderness at the tip or posterior edge within 6 centimeters of either the medial malleolus or the lateral malleolus. Standard views with a series of the foot may include oblique, lateral, and anteroposterior views.

The “PRICE” protocol is often involved in the initial management of a sprained ankle. This involves protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For analgesia, acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be utilized. Early rehabilitation should start with a focus on the restoration of range of movement followed by strength, neuromuscular, and proprioception training. This has been found to be useful in combatting recurrent injuries.

Surgical intervention may be necessary for patients that are suspected of having an injury to the syndesmotic complex. Fixation methods may be required in acute syndesmotic injury cases demonstrating ankle instability and diastasis on stress radiographs and exams. In chronic ankle instability cases, a physician may recommend ligamentous reconstruction.

A sprained ankle, as with other medical conditions, may have the potential to result in complications, such as chronic pain. Others include:

• Chronic ankle instability (CAI)
• Neurovascular injury
• Osteochondral defect (OD) of the talus
• Pantalar Arthritis
• Peroneal Tendon Injury
• Tibiotalar Arthritis

Injuries from an accident, like an ankle sprain, may lead to a wide array of losses. When this occurs, an injured party may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, some of which may include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

The value of an injury case will vary depending on the facts and circumstances involved. Given that difficult insurance companies and defense counsel may be involved in the recovery process, it is essential to work with an experienced ankle sprain attorney who can protect your rights.

The personal injury claims process is challenging to navigate. Insurance companies representing negligent parties will often put up a fight to get out of paying an accident case. When faced with such a situation, you can put yourself in a better position by retaining legal counsel to represent you and protect your best interests. Remember that insurers are not always on your side and will often resort to defense tactics to get out of paying your claim.

When dealing with accident-related injuries, such as a sprained ankle, you deserve maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. These are some of the many reasons why you should call our law firm for assistance immediately after an accident. Our injury lawyers are prepared to help you seek the justice and maximum compensation you need to move forward with your life. Learn more about our legal team and how we can assist you with your case by watching this video.

In California, you generally have up to two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the loss of the opportunity to seek compensation. Therefore, do not delay calling an ankle sprain lawyer when you have suffered this type of injury in a recent crash.

An accident that involves traumatic injuries, such as a sprained ankle, may be challenging and overwhelming to deal with. This is especially true if the incident was the result of someone else’s negligence. If you have suffered injuries in a recent crash through no fault of your own, it is essential to know that you have rights and options for financial recovery.

At our personal injury law firm, we have a team of dedicated and skilled accident attorneys who can protect your best interests and work on your behalf to seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Call now for free, friendly advice on your ankle sprain case at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We work on a contingent fee basis meaning there are no upfront fees due. Costs of legal representation will be taken out of the amount awarded to you through a successful verdict or settlement.

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