Did you suffer a foot or ankle injury at your job in Pennsylvania? Feet and ankle injuries can be devastating. Not only can they prevent you from earning a living, but they also have painful symptoms that impact every aspect of your life.
The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at the law firm of Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. want to protect your rights if you sustained an ankle injury at work or a foot injury at work. Workers’ compensation claims are the focus of our practice, giving us in-depth knowledge and experience you won’t find elsewhere. We are ready to guide you through the workers’ comp process and seek maximum benefits.
Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case review.
Common Work-Related Foot Injuries
Foot injuries at work can happen instantly, yet their impact is often long-lasting. Here are some common work-related foot injuries in workers’ compensation cases:
- Fractures – A broken foot results from breaks or cracks in the bones of the foot, often resulting from slips, trips, or heavy objects falling on the foot. They can range from simple fractures, which may heal with rest and immobilization, to complex ones requiring surgical intervention.
- Sprains – Foot sprains are injuries to the ligaments around the joints in the foot, often resulting in painful swelling. They typically result from twisting or turning the foot abnormally. Sprains can vary in severity, with some requiring extensive physical therapy and time off work to heal completely.
- Puncture wounds – These occur when sharp objects, like nails or metal shards, penetrate the foot. Puncture wounds also pose a high risk of infection and other complications.
- Crush injuries – Crush injuries happen when the foot becomes trapped under or between heavy objects.
- Plantar fasciitis – Overuse or long periods of standing on hard surfaces can cause this common source of severe foot pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the soft tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes.
Common Work-Related Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries at work can lead to severe complications. Here are some of the most common work-related ankle injuries in Pennsylvania:
- Ankle sprains – These injuries occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits or tear.
- Achilles tendonitis – This type of ankle injury involves overexertion of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Workers whose jobs involve repetitive motion or increased physical activity are more likely to develop these injuries.
- Fractures – Ankle fractures involve a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. These injuries can result from falls, direct impacts, or awkward landings during work-related tasks.
- Ankle strains – Strains involve injuries to the muscles or tendons around the ankle. They often occur from overuse or during activities that require extensive walking, lifting, or climbing.
- Tendon tears – These occur when one or more tendons in the ankle tear. Tendon tears often result from overexertion or accidents, such as falling from a height or tripping over workplace obstacles.
Common Causes of Work-Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Understanding the common causes of foot and ankle injuries at work is critical to both prevention and proper response.
Here are some of the most common causes of work-related foot and ankle injuries in Pennsylvania:
- Slips, trips, and falls – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways can result in slips and falls, causing sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
- Falling objects – In workplaces such as construction sites or warehouses, falling objects can cause serious foot injuries, including fractures and crush injuries.
- Repetitive motion injuries – Jobs that involve repetitive movements, such as standing for long hours, walking on hard surfaces, or operating foot pedals, can lead to chronic conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures.
- Workplace hazards – Exposure to hazardous materials or extreme temperatures can cause burns or chemical injuries to the feet and ankles. Additionally, working with heavy machinery without proper safety measures can lead to severe accidents.
How to Prevent Foot Injuries and Ankle Injuries in the Workplace
Trying to live with broken feet or sprained ankles at work is a challenge. Here are a few tips for preventing ankle and foot injuries at your job and staying safe:
- Wear proper footwear. Choose shoes that provide good support, slip resistance, and protection for your work environment. Ensure they fit well and are appropriate for your specific job duties.
- Keep workspaces clean and organized. Regularly clean and clear work areas of hazards like spills, loose materials, or debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Use safety equipment. Utilize prescribed safety gear such as steel-toed boots or ankle guards in environments where foot injuries are a risk, like construction sites.
- Follow proper techniques. Adhere to correct lifting techniques and other work-related procedures to minimize undue stress on your feet and ankles.
What to Do About an Ankle or Foot Injury at Work in Pennsylvania
A foot or ankle injury at work can impact all areas of your life, so protecting your health and legal rights after such an injury is crucial. Here’s what to do to maximize your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim:
- Seek medical attention. Visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of your injury.
- Report the injury. Tell your supervisor or employer about the injury as quickly as possible. Remember, state law requires workers to report an injury to their employer within 21 days to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
- Document the incident and your injuries. Keep detailed records of the accident and your subsequent medical treatment.
- Keep records of your expenses and lost wages. Document all expenses related to your injury and any workdays missed.
- Consult a workers’ compensation attorney. You should seek legal advice to understand your rights better. Our Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyers have the experience and training to maximize your foot or ankle injury at work compensation settlement.
Call a Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Pennsylvania Now
Injured workers in Pennsylvania have the right to fair compensation. The legal team at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. wants to help protect your interests during this challenging time.
Call us today or reach out online for a complimentary case evaluation. Our dedicated work injury attorneys are ready to assist you in seeking the maximum sprained ankle at work compensation or workers’ comp benefits for another similar injury.
