Michael Boylan Litigation acts for people across Ireland who have sustained foot or ankle injuries as a result of accidents. These injuries can disrupt mobility, work, and independence for weeks or months, and some have lasting effects. If your injury arose in circumstances that may involve another party's failure to meet a duty of care, the information below sets out what is involved and how the firm can assist.
When a foot or ankle injury may raise a legal issue
Irish law distinguishes between an inherent or accepted risk and an avoidable failure to meet a duty of care. Not every foot or ankle injury gives rise to a legal claim. Some environments and activities carry a recognised level of physical risk that is understood by those involved.
Negligence issues typically arise where a duty of care existed, where that duty was not met (for example, through a defective surface, inadequate safety measures, or a failure to address a known hazard), and where that failure directly caused the injury. A careful assessment of the specific facts is always required before any conclusions can be drawn.
Responsibility is not always obvious at first. In some situations it may be unclear whether an employer, a property owner, a local authority, or another party bears responsibility. In others, more than one party may share it. These are questions a solicitor can assess once the full circumstances are known.
What counts as a foot or ankle injury
Common ankle injuries
Ankle injuries vary considerably in severity and type. The following are the most commonly seen in personal injury cases:
Sprain vs high ankle sprain: A standard ankle sprain involves damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, usually caused by the foot turning inward. A high ankle sprain affects the ligaments that connect the two bones of the lower leg above the ankle joint. High ankle sprains are less common but take significantly longer to heal and are more likely to be missed on initial assessment.
Ligament rupture and chronic instability: Where a ligament tears completely, the ankle joint may become unstable, meaning it feels as though it gives way on uneven ground or during normal activity. Chronic instability can develop after an initial injury that was not properly treated or rehabilitated.
Achilles tendon rupture: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. A rupture (a complete tear of this tendon) typically causes a sudden, sharp pain at the back of the lower leg, often described as feeling like a kick or a snap. It almost always requires either surgical repair or a period of immobilisation in a boot.
Ankle fractures: Fractures can affect one or more of the bony prominences around the ankle (the malleoli), as well as the bone at the top of the foot that sits within the ankle joint (the talus). Depending on the severity and alignment, ankle fractures may require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
Common foot injuries
Foot injuries in accident claims range from fractures to soft tissue damage:
Metatarsal and toe fractures: The metatarsals are the five long bones that run through the middle of the foot to the toes. Fractures can occur from direct impact, a fall, or a crush injury. Toe fractures are common but should still be properly assessed, as some require immobilisation to heal correctly.
Midfoot injuries including Lisfranc injuries: The Lisfranc joint complex is the group of joints and ligaments that connect the forefoot (the front part of the foot containing the metatarsals and toes) to the midfoot. A Lisfranc injury involves damage to these joints or ligaments and can range from a sprain to a fracture-dislocation. These injuries are sometimes missed on initial X-ray and can have significant long-term consequences if not properly treated.
Soft tissue injuries (plantar fascia, bruising, tendon strain): The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. It can be strained or torn in accidents involving falls or sudden loading of the foot. Tendon strains and contusions (deep bruising) are also common and can cause prolonged pain and reduced function.
Symptoms and functional impact
Early symptoms
The following are commonly reported in the immediate aftermath of a foot or ankle injury:
Pain and tenderness at the site of injury, which may be sharp or throbbing
Swelling that develops quickly, sometimes within minutes
Bruising, which may appear immediately or over the following hours and days
Difficulty bearing weight or an inability to walk without significant pain
A feeling of instability or giving way in the ankle joint
Symptoms that develop later
Some symptoms become more apparent as the initial swelling settles or as recovery progresses:
Persistent pain that does not resolve within the expected timeframe, which may indicate an associated injury that was not identified initially
Stiffness and reduced range of movement in the ankle or foot, particularly in the morning
Chronic instability: A continuing sense that the ankle is unreliable, particularly on uneven ground
Post-traumatic arthritis: Inflammation and degeneration within the joint that can develop following a fracture or significant ligament injury. This is a longer-term complication that causes ongoing pain and stiffness.
Psychological impact: Loss of confidence in mobility, anxiety about reinjury, and the broader effect of reduced independence on mood and wellbeing are all recognised consequences of significant foot and ankle injuries.
Practical day-to-day impact
Foot and ankle injuries affect far more than walking. The impact on daily life can be significant:
Mobility and independence: Difficulty walking distances, using stairs, or standing for extended periods
Work capacity: Many roles, whether manual or sedentary, are affected by foot and ankle injuries. Prolonged standing, driving, and travel can all be disrupted.
Driving: Depending on which foot is injured and the severity, driving may be temporarily or longer-term affected.
Caring responsibilities: Those who care for children, elderly relatives, or other dependants may find their capacity to carry out these responsibilities significantly reduced.
Sleep: Pain and discomfort at night are common with ankle and foot injuries, particularly in the early stages of recovery.
How foot and ankle injuries happen in accidents
Foot and ankle injuries arise across a range of accident types. The context is relevant both medically and legally:
Workplace accidents: Falls, slips on unsafe surfaces, crush injuries involving heavy objects or machinery, and manual handling incidents are all common causes in a workplace setting. The adequacy of training, protective equipment, and safety procedures are relevant considerations.
Road traffic accidents: Impact with pedals, footwells, or the road surface can cause significant foot and ankle injuries, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Accidents in public places: Falls on defective footpaths, wet floors, or poorly maintained surfaces are among the most frequent causes of foot and ankle injury claims. The condition of the surface and whether it was adequately maintained are central questions.
Sports and leisure incidents: Ankle sprains and fractures are common in sport. Where the playing surface, equipment, or supervision is inadequate, or where the conduct of another participant falls outside what is accepted in the sport, a legal question may arise.
Common causes and contributing factors
Behind many foot and ankle injury claims, one or more of the following is found to be a contributing factor:
Slips, trips, and defective surfaces: Wet floors without adequate warning, uneven paving, raised edges, or poorly maintained flooring are among the most frequently identified causes in public liability and workplace claims.
Manual handling and twisting injuries: Awkward movements while lifting or carrying, particularly where training or risk assessment is inadequate, can cause ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries.
Falling objects and crush injuries: Heavy items falling from shelves, pallets, or height, or the foot becoming trapped under or between objects, can cause severe foot injuries.
Inadequate PPE or unsuitable footwear in a workplace context: Where an employer fails to provide appropriate protective footwear or allows unsuitable footwear to be worn in a hazardous environment.
Poor maintenance, poor lighting, inadequate supervision or training: Conditions that create or fail to address a foreseeable risk of injury, including obstacles left in walkways, inadequate lighting in work areas, and insufficient instruction on safe working practices.
What to do after a foot or ankle injury
Taking the right steps after an injury is important both for your recovery and for any legal process that may follow:
Seek medical attention promptly: Some foot and ankle injuries, including Lisfranc injuries and high ankle sprains, can appear less severe than they are on initial assessment. A proper clinical examination and imaging where appropriate will give a clear picture.
Report the incident: Whether at work, in a public place, or on the road, ensure the accident is formally reported and recorded. At work, this means the accident book.
Preserve evidence: Photograph the scene and the hazard involved as soon as it is safe to do so. If CCTV may have captured the incident, request that footage is preserved without delay, as it is routinely overwritten within days.
Keep all treatment records: Note every appointment, prescription, and physiotherapy session. Ask for copies of imaging reports and discharge letters.
Keep a symptom diary: A simple daily note of how the injury affects you, including sleep, mobility, and any tasks you are unable to carry out, can be a useful record later.
Evidence that is often relied on
The strength of any claim depends on the quality of the evidence behind it. The following are commonly relied on in foot and ankle injury cases:
Medical records and imaging reports: Accident and Emergency records, GP notes, X-ray and MRI reports, and physiotherapy documentation that establish the nature and progression of the injury. Imaging is particularly important where fractures or soft tissue injuries may have been initially underestimated.
Accident evidence: Photographs of the scene and the hazard involved, CCTV footage where available, and a clear account of how the accident happened and the conditions at the time.
Workplace evidence: Accident book entries, incident reports, risk assessments, PPE records, equipment maintenance logs, and training records.
Premises and public place evidence: Maintenance and inspection records from a local authority, property owner, or retailer, and any records of prior complaints or similar incidents at the same location.
The process in Ireland
Personal injury claims in Ireland follow a structured process:
Medical assessment: An independent medical report documenting the injury, its cause, and its likely long-term effects is central to any claim.
Injuries Resolution Board (IRB): Most personal injury claims must be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board before court proceedings can issue. The IRB assesses the claim and may make an award. Either party may reject this, at which point an authorisation to proceed to court is issued.
Legal proceedings: Where a claim is not resolved through the IRB, it proceeds through the courts. The appropriate court depends on the nature of the claim.
Settlement or hearing: Many claims resolve before a full hearing. Where this does not happen, a judge will determine the matter.
Your solicitor manages each stage, ensures the evidence is in place, and keeps you informed throughout.
Time limits for foot and ankle injury claims in Ireland
In Ireland, personal injury claims are generally subject to a two-year time limit. This runs from the date of the accident, or from the date of knowledge: the point at which you first became aware, or reasonably should have become aware, that your injury may be connected to another party's fault.
There are exceptions to this general position, including:
Minors: Where the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year period runs from their 18th birthday.
Capacity and decision-support issues: Where the injured person lacks the legal capacity to bring a claim themselves, the time limit may apply differently. A solicitor can advise on the appropriate steps.
Delayed knowledge scenarios: Where the connection between the accident and the injury only became apparent over time, the period may run from when that connection was or reasonably should have been identified.
If you are uncertain how these time limits apply to your situation, seeking legal advice at an early stage allows you to understand your position clearly.
Why Michael Boylan Litigation?
Specialist litigation focus
Foot and ankle injury claims can involve detailed medical evidence, questions about long-term function, and disputed liability. Michael Boylan Litigation is a litigation practice with experience in personal injury claims of this kind and brings the precision and thoroughness these cases require.
Evidence-led case preparation
The foundation of any claim is the evidence behind it. The firm works to identify and secure the necessary medical, factual, and expert material at an early stage, ensuring the claim is properly grounded before it proceeds.
Clear, practical guidance throughout
Recovering from a foot or ankle injury is demanding. Michael Boylan Litigation keeps clients informed at every stage, explains the process clearly, and provides practical guidance without pressure.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after a foot or ankle injury at work?
Seek medical attention first. Once you have received care, report the accident to your employer and ensure it is recorded in the accident book. Note the circumstances, photograph the scene if you are able, and ask that any CCTV footage is preserved. These steps are helpful for any process that follows.
What if symptoms appeared hours or days later?
This is not uncommon, particularly with Lisfranc injuries and high ankle sprains, which can be underestimated initially. Seek medical assessment as soon as symptoms develop and keep a note of when and how they appeared. This information is relevant both medically and legally.
What if there is no CCTV or it was not retained?
CCTV is useful but not essential. Witness accounts, maintenance records, photographs, and expert analysis can all support a claim where footage is unavailable. If footage was not preserved despite a reasonable request, this may itself be a relevant factor.
Do I need to go through the Injuries Resolution Board first?
In most cases, yes. The Injuries Resolution Board is the required first step for most personal injury claims in Ireland before court proceedings can issue. Your solicitor will manage this process on your behalf.
What happens if responsibility is disputed?
Where liability is denied, the claim may proceed through the courts, where the evidence will be examined and a determination made. Thorough preparation at an early stage is particularly important in these situations.
Can more than one party be responsible?
Yes. In some circumstances, more than one person or organisation may share responsibility for an accident. A claim can be brought against more than one respondent where the facts support this.
What if I was partly at fault?
Irish law provides for contributory negligence, meaning a finding that you contributed to the accident does not necessarily prevent a claim. The extent of any contribution may be taken into account. This is something to discuss with your solicitor based on the specific circumstances.
What records should I keep from the hospital, GP and physiotherapy?
Keep all discharge letters, GP referral and review notes, X-ray and MRI reports, physiotherapy records, and prescription records. Photographs of bruising or swelling at different stages of recovery can also be helpful. The more complete your documentation, the clearer the picture of your injury and its impact.
Speak to Michael Boylan Litigation
If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury in an accident and would like to understand the legal process and what your options may be, Michael Boylan Litigation is available to discuss your circumstances.
Contact us today to speak with our team.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
