Shattered Ankle Trip Accident in Harrow, London: How a Solicitor Values a Compensation Claim

How does a solicitor value a shattered ankle compensation claim following a trip accident? First, the solicitor must establish liability. Next, the solicitor must obtain medical evidence and assess any financial losses linked to the accident. Only then can the solicitor provide a reliable valuation of the claim.

This question arose from a trip accident in Harrow, London. However, the same approach applies to compensation claims throughout England and Wales.

Shattered Ankle Trip Accident Description

I tripped in hole in the road in Harrow in London. I stumbled – my ankle went over on one side of ankle then on other side hit the ground then I smashed ankle off the kerb.

A witness called an ambulance and I was taken to hospital, diagnosed with a broken ankle. Surgery was required to have a metal plate and pins inserted in my ankle.

The hole in the road was approximately 3 inches deep. I am using a solicitor already to make a claim and the council have accepted liability.

How much is the average payout I can expect for a shattered ankle injury?

Trip Accident Assessment and Solicitor Response

How Liability Is Established

On the issue of liability you have indicated that liability is accepted. Presumably – liability was accepted as the hole was an actionable defect (over 2 inches in a road) and teh council presumably could not provide a proper inspection records.

See our proving liability in a public highway trip accident article for how to prove liability and the council’s statutory defence..

Evidence to Prove Your Injuries

As you have a solicitor acting on your behalf that solicitor should have obtained a medical report from an independent orthopaedic consultant.

The Importance of the Medical Expert Report

The medical report should set out the exact nature of your injuries together with a prognosis setting out how long your symptoms will last into the future together with any permanent symptoms, restriction of movement in your ankle or disabilities.

Calculating Shattered Ankle Compensation for Pain & Suffering and Financial Loss

Only an analysis of this report will give your solicitor the ability to provide an estimate of the amount of compensation you can receive for pain and suffering (general damages) and financial losses (past and future lost income, medical expenses, etc.) for a shattered ankle injury.

A Barrister’s Opinion on Compensation Value

Alternatively – your solicitor might obtain the opinion of a barrister who will research the most recent case law detailing shattered ankle injuries similar to the one you have suffered. In this way average compensation payouts can be calculated and provided to your solicitor in a document known as “a barrister’s opinion on quantum”. In other words – a barrister’s opinion on how much your claim is worth.

Examples of Shattered Ankle Compensation Amounts

See our ankle injury compensation claim payouts guide for up-to-date examples of compensation amounts for a wide range of ankle injuries.

However, valuation of injury in a trip accident is largely the same as for any other personal injury claim. key factors include the nature and severity of your shattered ankle injury.

In addition, a solicitor will consider matters such as surgery, ongoing symptoms, recovery time and long-term disability when valuing the claim. Plus your specific financial losses, such as lost income (both past and future).

Summary: Shattered Ankle Valuation Following a Trip Accident in Harrow, London

In summary, a solicitor must follow a defined process when valuing a shattered ankle compensation claim following a trip accident in London or elsewhere in the UK. First, the solicitor must establish liability. Next, the solicitor must obtain medical evidence to assess the nature and extent of the injury. In addition, the solicitor must gather evidence of any financial losses arising from the accident.

Only after reviewing this evidence can the solicitor provide a reliable valuation of the claim. Furthermore, in some cases a barrister may be instructed to provide an opinion on the likely compensation value.

Free Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Solicitor

As you already have a solicitor acting on your behalf, you should raise any questions about your claim directly with that solicitor. Therefore, they remain best placed to assess the likely value of your case.

However, if you require help with a future personal injury claim, we offer several free legal help services. For example, you can ask a question, speak directly with a solicitor or request an assessment of your potential claim.