Work-related foot injuries are not uncommon. Some workers tolerate such injuries for as long as they can, however, some injuries are severe enough that they may require immediate surgery. Orthopedic specialists and podiatrists can only do so much.
Such injuries may take place within a number of industries, including construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, health care, and transportation and warehousing. All that standing, walking, climbing, balancing and driving may lead to a serious foot injury, so can other more extreme work-related accidents.
Crushed feet and ankles
In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. workers sustained nearly 45,000 non-fatal but traumatic foot injuries. Fractures led the way with more than 14,000 injury incidents.
Sturdy shoes and steel-toed footwear may not be enough to protect a worker from having a foot injury caused by falling objects or having a foot run over by a work vehicle or heavy equipment. In these situations, crushed or broken feet and toes often are the result.
Sometimes, a foot may get caught in equipment, leading to untold and severe injuries, which may result in amputation.
The key thing to remember as with any injury: Do now wait to get treatment. Delaying treatment may lead to additional medical complications such as developing arthritis and having limited use of the foot.
Seek advice from an attorney
Many work-related injuries are preventable as long as employers focus on ensuring safe work environments for employees. If an employer denies your workers’ compensation claim or hesitates to process your claim, work with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney who will be committed to securing what you rightfully deserve.
