Achilles Tendon Injury Compensation Claims

Anatomy of the Achilles Tendons

The Achilles tendon extends through the calf to the heel and is one of the strongest, largest, and most important tendons in the human body. By connecting the muscles of the lower leg to the foot, the tendon allows us to lift our heels off the ground and walk, run, jump, climb stairs, stand on our tiptoes, and even climb chairs. Named after the famous Greek hero Achilles, a mighty and invulnerable warrior who died after he was hit in his heel's tendon, this part of the body is also known as the calcaneal tendon. Injuries to the Achilles tendon can disrupt its ability to move freely and cause serious mobility issues, including, in severe cases, a complete inability to walk.

The Achilles tendon is made of strong collagen fibres surrounded by layers of paratenon cells that provide the tendon with adequate blood flow and ensure it is sufficiently lubricated to facilitate movement. On average, the Achilles tendon measures around 15 centimetres in length, but in some people, it can be as long as 26 centimetres. Because of its impressive length, the tendon is split into four different areas. These are:

• The Non-insertional Achilles tendon. This part of the tendon is the first part of the tendon and is located in the calf.
• The Mid-tendon. The Mid-tendon is the visible part of the tendon. It can be seen as a cordlike structure at the back of the lower calf or upper ankle.
• The Pre-insertional Achilles tendon. This is the part of the tendon that exists just above the heel.
• The Insertional Achilles tendon. This is the point at which the Achilles tendon directly attaches to the heel bone, allowing movement to occur.

Like many other tendons in the body, the Achilles tendon is surrounded by bursae, which are fluid filled sacs intended to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon. Although the bursae have a protective function within the body, injuries to the tendons that they surround can cause them to become inflamed and painful.

If you have suffered harm to your Achilles tendon in an accident that wasn't your fault, we're here for you today. Our knowledgeable solicitors are experienced in helping individuals affected by Achilles tendon injuries to claim the compensation they deserve. For more information about how we can help you, contact us now.

Types of Achilles tendon injuries

There are many Achilles tendon disorders, but the most common include:

• Achilles paratenonitis typically occurs if the tendon is overused
• Achilles tendinitis is an extremely painful condition that often occurs when excessive activity causes the tendon to swell and become inflamed.
• Achilles tendinosis occurs when overuse of the tendon causes the structure to degenerate and scar tissue to form.
• An Achilles tendon rupture is a painful condition that occurs when the tendon is torn, either partially or completed, at any point along its course from the calf to the heel.
• Bursitis is a condition which occurs when the bursae around the tendon become inflamed as a result of injury to the tendon. Although it is a secondary condition to the initial injury, it can be extremely painful and debilitating in its own right.

Achilles tendon injuries are extremely common, and most occur accidentally as a result of sports injuries or other general accidents. However, in some cases, the injuries mentioned above can occur because of another person's incompetence or negligence. When this happens, it's important that the affected individual is supported in claiming compensation for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure. Contact us today to find out how we could help you.

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries

Tripping on uneven pavements

Tripping can cause the Achilles tendon to strain or rupture, resulting in severe pain. Most pavements are owned by a council or other overseeing government body, which means you may be able to claim compensation for your injury. For this to happen, it must be proven that the party responsible for maintaining the pavement were negligent in their upkeep of the pavement. Our solicitors commonly deal with personal injuries caused by tripping in public places, so contact us today if you've been affected in this way.

Slipping

Slipping can cause the tendon to be strained, pulled, or even ruptured, leading to pain and discomfort from the calf to the heel. If you slipped in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation if it can be proven that someone failed to clean the spill quickly and efficiently. For example, in a shopping centre, the shopping staff are responsible for ensuring that wet areas are signposted and cleaned effectively to protect individuals from harm. If you slipped because of a company or person's negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. Contact us today to find out more about how we have helped victims of slip accidents claim compensation.

Road traffic accidents

Road traffic accidents are extremely common in the UK and can cause extensive injuries to the body. Achilles tendon injuries can occur as a result of the tendon being stretched or pulled, perhaps after the foot is trapped or caught in the accident, or if the foot or calf is directly hit by another car. Here at PSR, we have helped thousands of UK clients claim compensation after road traffic accidents, and we're here to help you. We understand how physically and psychologically traumatic being in a car accident can be, which is why we're here to help you. Contact us today to discuss your case with a sympathetic and experienced advisor.

Workplace accidents

Your employer has a legal duty to keep you as safe as possible in the workplace. Achilles tendon injuries in the workplace can occur when the tendon is directly struck by a piece of workplace machinery, such as a trolley, a forklift truck, or a pallet truck. They can also occur if an object falls from height and lands on the back of the ankle or calf. If you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury because of an accident at work, you may be able to claim compensation if it can be shown that your employer behaved negligently. Employers may be said to have behaved negligently if they failed to carry out proper risk assessments, did not offer their staff appropriate working, did not provide appropriate PPE to their employees to protect them from harm, or did not monitor and maintain their machinery effectively.  We know that making a claim against an employer, particularly one you're still working for, can be worrying, but we're here to support you through your claim and make the process as stress-free as possible for all involved. Remember, you have a legal right to claim compensation from your employer if you are injured at work. Our solicitors have helped hundreds of clients claim compensation from their employers, so contact us today to find out more about our process and how we can help you.

Assault

In some cases, injuries to the Achilles tendon are caused by direct trauma to the injury. Sadly, victims who are assaulted and kicked in the Achilles tendon often suffer extensive injuries. If you have been injured in an assault or attack, contact us today to find out how we could help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Contact PSR Solicitors Today

If you have suffered an Achilles tendon injury of any kind, it's important that you seek medical attention. Achilles tendon injuries rarely heal without medical help, and the long-term consequences of untreated tendon injuries can be severe. Initial strains can lead to long-term damage and chronic mobility issues, including trouble lifting the heel, putting weight on the foot, or walking.

Through our experience of helping victims of Achilles tendon injuries, we know how drastically such injuries can affect victims' quality of life. From preventing you from carrying out every-day activities such as walking and going to work, to having severe financial and psychological repercussions, Achilles tendon injuries can be extremely serious.

However, you have been affected, we want to hear from you if you feel that your injury was caused by someone else's negligence.

We have offices throughout North Wales and Cheshire including Colwyn Bay, Ellesmere Port, Rhyl, Shotton, Wrexham, Wallasey, and Chester. As one the leading firms of Personal Injury Solicitors in Wales and Accident Claims Lawyers in Cheshire, you can contact us with confidence, safe in the knowledge that one of our skilled solicitors will take care of the entire compensation claim on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and rehabilitation.