We have solicitors that claim compensation for employees that have suffered Achilles tendon damage at work. Catherine Smith introduces our no win no fee service for Achilles tendon injuries in this video.

Read more about work related Achilles tendon tears below, or use our free legal advice service to ask can I claim compensation for a torn Achilles tendon caused by working?

Compensation For Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon is a 15cm long band of fibrous tissue located at the back of the ankle above the heel, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). It is both the strongest and the most regularly damaged tendon in the human body, frequently torn or ruptured during sports and other intense physical activities. In the public mind Achilles tendon injuries are the preserve of footballers, regularly seen collapsing in non-feigned agony with torn or ruptured Achilles tendons. It is one of the most serious injuries that a sportsman can sustain because it can leave a residual weakness in the tendon, making it more prone to injury in the future. Achilles tendon injuries most commonly affect men (by a ratio of approximately 5:1 over women) aged between 30 and 50, who play sports regularly, or who work in a physically demanding or hazardous industry. The main role of the Achilles tendon is to assist the foot in bending forwards and pushing off the ground. For this reason, lifting and other manual handling tasks are the most frequent causes of injuries among workers, for which the employer is often ultimately to blame.

Symptoms & Treatment Of A Torn Achilles Tendon

A ruptured Achilles tendon means that the tendon has been completely severed, normally around 2 inches above the heel bone. Partial tears to the tendon are also common. A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon is an intensely painful injury, described as feeling akin to being shot in the ankle or hit by a rock. There will often be an audible popping or snapping sound, and the joint will immediately begin to swell and bruise. A complete rupture of the Achilles tendon may require surgery. Whether this is the case or not, the ankle will need to be immobilised with a plaster cast, and no weight should be placed on the joint for a minimum of 4 weeks. After that the length of time before full mobility is regained will depend on the success of physiotherapy in building up strength in the tendon. Older people will take longer to recover, as their Achilles tendons will have lost much of their elasticity over time, and will be correspondingly weaker and thinner. With severe Achilles tendon ruptures, an injured person may never regain full mobility in the joint, and may walk with a permanent limp. They will also be more prone to the developing arthritis in the ankle joint in the future.

Achilles Tendon Injuries At Work

Accidents at work resulting in Achilles tendon damage usually involve a sudden wrenching or over-stretching of the tendon. This may be from plantarflexion, when the front part of the foot pushes forwards and down, such as when standing in tiptoes, or dorsiflexion, where the foot pushes backwards and down, such as when a person is suporting a heavy load. In both instances the Achilles tendon may be damaged when the force exerted on it in either direction is too great. Lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing are common causes of Achilles tendon injuries in the workplace. Any sudden motion that twists, jerks or stretches the tendon can cause a tear or rupture. Lacerations (cuts) to the back of the ankle may also damage the Achilles tendon, and the most severe injuries result when the ankle is crushed, in a motor vehicle accident or by piece of machinery in the workplace for example. Employers must ensure that workers are provided with safety equipment where necessary, and that they are trained in manual handling techniques. The employer is responsible for both the safety of their premises, including equipment, and for maintaining a safe system of work that minimises the risk of injuries among employees.

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Compensation Awards For Achilles Tendon Damage

A common question is; how much compensation can I obtain for a torn achilles tendon caused by my working environment. Compensation awards for Achilles tendon injuries depend in large part on whether a tear is partial or complete, and the residual effects that the injury has had on a person's mobility and future prospects. With the most serious Achilles tendon injuries the tendon will have been completely severed, and an injured person will experience ongoing restricted movement in the ankle. They may also be forced to give up active sports. Compensation awards in this category will be in the region of £24,000. Where the tendon has been successfully repaired following a complete tear, but a residual weakness remains and movement is limited with improvement in the condition unlikely, awards will range between £16,000 and £19,250. Where there has been a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, but repair has been successful and there is no significant residual disability, compensation awards will range between £9,500 and £11,500. For minor Achilles tendon injuries, where some damage has been sustained but a full recovery is made within a few weeks or months, compensation awards will range between £4,750 and £6,400.