Think I broke my ankle today...

[Ladybugsy]

in Sam's parking lot. I asked to fill out an accident report, but the manager refused. They came running out cause they saw it on camera I guess. What should I do? I just fell in the rain, but I stepped on something that made my feet go out from under me. Should I just chalk it up to bad luck?

 

[Crankyshank]

Well for starters I would go to the emergency room if you think you broke your ankle. Most likely you didn't - you wouldn't be able to walk. You probably rolled it or sprained it. Either way it's best to get x-rays.

Then I would go back to Sams and demand to file a report. If they refuse, get in touch with their corporate office and their district manager

 

[Feralpeg]

Unless you can prove they were negligent, there is probably not much you can do. Did you go to the ER? If you broke an ankle, I'd think you'd be in a lot of pain!

 

[Ladybugsy]

I'm going to my doctor in the morning. I am in alot of pain, my dh just went to borrow a walker cause I can't even get to the bathroom. It hurt bad when I did it, hurt when I got home, and seems to be getting worse. Can't put weight on it, plus I fell on my right knee, and its all bruised and scraped up as well. Can barely put weight on my right leg because of my knee. It just seemed strange that he refused to do one.

 

[poohandwendy]

I definitely would get the ankle checked out. Hopefully it's not broken.

But color me confused, why would you ask to fill out an accident report when you don't even know what caused you to slip? If it was raining, that could easily explain why you slipped ( I have slipped on wet asphalt many times). I guess I am just not understanding why they should be held responsible?

I would just chalk it up to bad luck unless you can prove their negligence caused your fall, it doesn't sound like it from what you describe.

 

[poohandwendy]

I'm going to my doctor in the morning. I am in alot of pain, my dh just went to borrow a walker cause I can't even get to the bathroom. It hurt bad when I did it, hurt when I got home, and seems to be getting worse. Can't put weight on it, plus I fell on my right knee, and its all bruised and scraped up as well. Can barely put weight on my right leg because of my knee. It just seemed strange that he refused to do one.

Probably because you could turn around and say that he must have agreed there was fault or he wouldn't have filled one out.

I think I would go to the ER if it is hurting that bad, you want to have a broken bone seen as soon as possible. Especially with a weight bearing bone. I have sprained my ankle, I know what you mean about the pain...it can really hurt BAD.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Regardless if they were at fault--it is usually prudent for a business to document an incident...that way they can document the circumstances surrounding the incident.

I can't figure out why they would refuse--since it doesn't automatically make them liable.

 

[Ladybugsy]

I'm not looking to sue them over this, I just thought it was strange that he refused. When I looked down, it looked like I had slipped on a clear piece of cellophane. It was pouring down rain, and I had on my crocs!!! I thought they were non slip...lol. Anyway, just wanted to get some other opinions.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I had a severely sprained ankle when I was in 6th grade--it swelled like a balloon, the pain was excruciating--it could not take the slightest of pressure. LITERALLY (As in no exaggeration, as we attempted to mimic this and it HURT)--you couldn't touch a feather to my foot. It hurt like HECK (but worse!).

I never got evaluated (long story--my mother feels incredibly guilty blah blah blah)....

Most likely it was damanged tendons or whatever. It took a very long time to heal. I could have benefited from some treatment--but now have a wickedly weak ankle. But don't know if I ever broke something (describing the accident is difficult to do--but my foot went into a position--that is just not possible for it to go in).

You can try R-I-C-E...rest, ice, compression, elevation. An urgent care center would be better than an ER if your insurance will pay for it. The wait won't be as long--you may have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed later..and they can dress your ankle as necessary.

 

[Crankyshank]

If you injure yourself on a business property, you need to fill out an accident report for documentation purposes. No matter who is at fault - in many cases insurances request it. It's a CYA thing for both the business and the injured person. Kind of like getting a police report for a minor fender bender or filling out an accident report if you cut your finger at work.

 

[poohandwendy]

If you injure yourself on a business property, you need to fill out an accident report for documentation purposes. No matter who is at fault - in many cases insurances request it. It's a CYA thing for both the business and the injured person. Kind of like getting a police report for a minor fender bender or filling out an accident report if you cut your finger at work.

Thanks for the explanation, I never would have thought of it that way. it just never would occur to me to get a report. Then again, I am usually the embarrassed one trying to slink away before anyone notices that I fell...

 

[cassie]

Regardless if they were at fault--it is usually prudent for a business to document an incident...that way they can document the circumstances surrounding the incident.

I can't figure out why they would refuse--since it doesn't automatically make them liable.

I agree with Lisa, just filling out an accident report doesn't make them liable, but if you really did some damage to your ankle or leg could make the liable.

 

[kimmikayb]

I guess my concern with be more with getting you medical attention ASAP. If it's broken it needs to be looked at right away, doesn't it?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not necessarily. I knew a Homepathic doc whose daughter broke her ankle. Her prescribed treatment was to stay in a wheelchair for a week or two. I forget what they said the bone would do as I just don't delve into that area much--but as long as she stays off of it--she could feasibly wait until morning. It is when a bone has broken through the skin or impairs your abilities (like say your limb is now in an awkward shape)--that it would need to be seen ASAP.

Since it is 11:30pm and we are still posting a talking about it--waiting until 8am to go to an urgent care facility (if she can find one) isn't too critical of a delay.

 

[AC7179]

I hope it starts feeling better soon.
I agree that you should get it seen as soon as you can! I hope it is not broken!

 

[MushyMushy]

I once saw a physical therapist who was an ankle specialist, and he told me that sprains are actually more painful than breaks -- that when you think you've broken it, it's probably only sprained, but if you just think it's a sprain, but can't walk, it's probably a break.

Like Lisa Loves Pooh said, do the RICE. I sprained my ankle a little over a month ago (3 days before our WDW trip ) and I was up and walking in no time! Take care of it!

HOpe you feel better soon.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Interesting Mushy Mushy--mine must have been a sprain. I did want to chop my foot off.

 

[Ladybugsy]

Me too, thanks everyone.

 

[poohandwendy]

I once saw a physical therapist who was an ankle specialist, and he told me that sprains are actually more painful than breaks -- that when you think you've broken it, it's probably only sprained, but if you just think it's a sprain, but can't walk, it's probably a break.

Like Lisa Loves Pooh said, do the RICE. I sprained my ankle a little over a month ago (3 days before our WDW trip ) and I was up and walking in no time! Take care of it!

HOpe you feel better soon.

I have heard that too, no matter what it is good that you are seeing a doctor tommorow.

Hope it heals quickly.

 

[YourMajesty]

Me too, thanks everyone.

Good luck at the at the Dr in the am...I hope it's not boken although I will agree with the others about the pain from a sprain. I sprained my ankle and ended up having surgery on it 16 months later. Hope your knee is ok too. Update us if you can tomorrow.