Ankles, Feet, Toes

Ankles

Modest injuries (up to £12,000) Less serious fractures, ligament damage or sprains where virtually full recovery is expected. Where there are ongoing symptoms such as weakness in the ankle, slight loss of movement, aching, osteoarthritis or scarring, the award will be at the higher end of the bracket.  Moderate injuries (£12,000 - £23,300) fractures and tears which result in difficulty climbing stairs, walking long distances or on uneven ground and standing. May also be accompanied by an increased risk of osteoarthritis, scarring or discomfort from metal plates. Severe injuries (£27,400 - £443,900) typically involve a prolonged treatment period with a lengthy duration in a cast or pins and plates inserted. Will result in permanent difficulties walking and instability which may require special footware, and affect employment possiblities, as well as scarring, osteoarthritis, sleeping difficulties. Very severe injuries (£43,900 - £61,000) includes transmalleolar fractures with extensive soft tissue damage leading to deformity and increasing the risk of a below-knee amputation should further injury occur in the future, and injuries to a young person that will cause premature degeneration of the joints.

Achilles Tendon

Minor injuries (£6,300 - £11,000) results in damage to the tendon leading to a feeling of weak ankle support.  Moderate injuries (£11,000 - £18,500) will have caused significant damage to the tendon which can result in ongoing pain, disability and scarring. Serious injuries (£21,900 - £26,300) are those where the tendon has been repaired but a full recovery is not expected leaving the injured person with continued weakness, limited ankle movement, a limp and scarring. Most serious injuries (£33,700) include severance of the tendon and the peroneus longus muscle which will cause cramp, swelling and limited movement. As a result the injured person will no longer be able to play sports.

Feet

Modest injuries (up to £12,000) such as simple fractures, ligament damage, lacerations and puncture wounds a virtually complete recovery is expected, however in some cases, there are ongoing symptoms such as a permanent limp, pain or aching. Moderate injuries (£12,000 - £21,900) displaced metatarsal fractures that result in a deformity and going symptoms, as well as an increased the risk of osteoarthritis and further surgery in the future. Serious injuries (£21,900 - £34,300) requiring lengthy treatment and results in permanent pain, restricted mobility, arthritis and possible need for fusion surgery. Severe injuries (£36,800 - £61,400) includes injuries that results in permanent pain, impacts mobility and require the use of specialist shoes or brace. These may be fractures to both heels or degloving, heel fusion, ulceration and osteoporosis in one foot. Very serve injuries or amputation of one foot, (£73,600 - £96,000) amputation above the ankle joint, of the forefoot or large portion of heel. Other injuries in this bracket will result in permanent pain and serious disability.  Amputation of both feet (£148,500 - £176,500) is treated in a similar way to below-knee amputations due to the loss of the ankle joint.

Toes

Moderate injuries (up to £8,400) include straightforward fractures, soft tissue injuries, lacerations or worsening of a pre-existing injury to one or more toes. Virtually full recovery is expected, however in some cases may result in long-term discomfort and scarring. Serious injuries (£8,400 - £12,000) damage to the big toe or two or more smaller toes resulting in permanent discomfort, pain or scarring. Severe injuries (£12,000 - £18,400) causing serious ongoing symptoms or leading to full or partial amputation of one or more smaller toes. Amputation of the big toe (in the region of £27,400). The amount of compensation for amputation of all toes (£32,000 - £49,000) depends upon the extent of loss of the forefoot and whether amputation was carried out surgically or traumatically.