What are the most common foot and ankle injuries at work?

For many workers, a typical day involves being on their feet for extended periods. Unfortunately, this constant pressure and movement can expose our feet and ankles to a variety of injuries.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common foot and ankle injuries for North Carolina workers:

• Sprains and strains. These are the most frequent work-related foot and ankle injuries. A sprain involves stretching or tearing ligaments, while a strain affects muscles or tendons. These injuries can occur from slip and fall accidents or other incidents that cause awkward twists, impacting workers in various fields like retail, construction, and hospitality.
• Fractures. Falls from heights, dropping objects on your foot, or repetitive stress can all lead to fractures in the bones of the foot or ankle. These fractures can be incredibly painful and require immobilization with casts or even surgery, significantly impacting workers who rely on mobility for their jobs, such as dock workers, nurses, and coal miners.
• Puncture wounds. Stepping on a nail, a sharp object, or exposed staples can cause puncture wounds in the foot. While some may seem minor, they pose a risk of infection and should always be evaluated by a medical professional, most commonly impacting workers in fields like search and rescue, construction, and roofing.
• Plantar fasciitis. This is a common overuse injury affecting the plantar fascia, the tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Pain, inflammation, and tenderness are typical symptoms, especially for workers who spend long hours on their feet in jobs like cashiers, janitors, and assembly line workers.
• Tendonitis. Repetitive motions or awkward positions can irritate tendons in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. This can affect workers in professions requiring repetitive movements, such as teachers, truck drivers, and delivery drivers who are constantly on the road.
• Crush injuries. Heavy objects falling on the foot or getting caught in machinery can cause crush injuries, leading to severe damage to bones, muscles, and tissues. These are especially serious injuries that can require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, impacting workers in high-risk fields like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing.

How do I file a workers’ comp claim after an ankle or foot injury in NC?

After sustaining the injury, you must report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, but typically within 30 days, to be eligible for benefits. You should also seek immediate medical attention for your injury and make sure to inform the health care provider that it is work-related.

To initiate a workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork, including Form 18, which should be filed with the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). This form serves as official notice of the accident and your intention to seek workers’ compensation benefits.

If your claim is denied or you face any challenges during the process, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney to help navigate the process and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

How much compensation do you get for a foot injury at work?

In North Carolina, workers who injure a foot, ankle, or any other body part are entitled to various types of benefits under the workers’ compensation system.

They include:

• Medical benefits. These cover all necessary medical treatments related to your foot injury, such as doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care. There are no caps or limits on these benefits, as long as they’re considered reasonable and necessary for your recovery.
• Wage replacement benefits. If your foot injury prevents you from working, you may receive disability benefits. These benefits are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage and are subject to minimum and maximum limits set annually by the state. The duration and amount depend on whether your disability is classified as a temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial, or permanent total disability.
• Scheduled loss of use. Under Section 97-31 of North Carolina’s Workers Compensation Act, workers may be entitled to specific scheduled loss of use awards for permanent injuries to certain body parts, including the foot, for a set number of weeks. For example, an amputation injury that results in the loss of a foot would entitle a worker to 144 weeks of compensation at two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
• Vocational rehabilitation. If you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, you might be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, which include job retraining, education, and other resources to help you return to work in a new capacity.
• Death benefits. If a worker dies from a work-related foot injury, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits, which typically include a portion of the deceased worker’s wages and coverage for funeral expenses.

The specific amount of compensation and the type of benefits available can vary based on the details of your case, including how the injury impacts your ability to work and your earnings before the injury.

Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to, especially if your case involves complex issues or catastrophic injuries.