Missouri Workers’ Compensation and Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery
If you have suffered a workplace ankle injury and are uncertain of your rights, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today.
Missouri workers who spend a good part of their day on their feet are at risk of injuring their ankle and its joint. This may cause ankle pain, swelling, and bruising and may make walking difficult. In some instances, the injury is so severe that the only way to restore function is with ankle joint replacement surgery.
If you require ankle joint replacement surgery to resume normal function of the joint, your employer will be required by law to pay for the treatment as well as the cost of recovery. This is done through their workers compensation insurance provider. If you suffered an ankle injury at work and need ankle joint replacement surgery, we can help walk you through the required steps to get the medical care and benefits you need to achieve a full recovery.
What to Do if You Suffer an On the Job Ankle Injury
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover the treatment of an ankle injury sustained on the job. The first step to ensure coverage is to notify your employer of the injury as soon as reasonably possible. They should fill out an incident or accident report, and direct you to a medical facility or doctor who works with their workers compensation insurance carrier.
With injuries to the bone such as an ankle injury, the primary physician you choose may have to refer you to a specialist. Still, their treatment is also covered by workers compensation. Make sure that your employer is aware of the referral, and if you find that they have denied you your benefits, call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. You are entitled to full medical treatment for a workplace injury, even if that requires a more expensive specialist.
Common Workplace Ankle Injuries
Missouri workers who are on their feet all day are at risk for a number of different types of ankle injuries. Nurses, waiters, mechanics, and construction workers often file workman’s compensation claims for on the job ankle injuries. The most common of these is sprains, which is a soft tissue injury caused by twisting or turning the ankle in the wrong direction. Yet if the twist is especially hard, or force is applied to the joint, bone fractures can occur.
Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery
If you have experienced severe trauma to the ankle that non-surgical methods cannot repair, your physician may recommend ankle joint replacement surgery. Non-surgical methods would include bracing, modified activities, pain and anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Once these have been exhausted with no result, ankle joint replacement surgery may be the only option.
A special surgical implant is used to recreate the ankle joint, and the Achilles tendon and calf muscle are lengthened to improve the range of motion in the ankle. Once completed, you will be fitted with a cast around the area in order to allow the implant to heal in place. The leg will remain elevated for a few days following the surgery in order to promote healing. If all goes well, you should be able to begin bearing weight on the ankle again in just a few weeks after the surgery.
Worker’s Compensation Benefits and Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery
Injuries to the ankle are not only painful, they can be debilitating. As support for the rest of your body, the ankle plays an important role in your mobility. If you injure yours while at work, make sure that you file your report promptly and see a doctor as soon as possible. This will not only help ensure your recovery, but ensure that your treatment is covered by the employer’s workman’s compensation insurance.