San Francisco Work-Related Ankle & Foot Injury Lawyer

San Francisco Work-Related Ankle & Foot Injury Attorney

Every employee in California faces the fact that they may become injured at some point during their employment. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are some professions that carry a higher risk for certain injuries than others. If you work in construction or transportation, as a roofer, or spend a lot of time on your feet in a warehouse, you may be more susceptible to certain injuries, and a San Francisco work-related ankle & foot injury lawyer can help. If you’re struggling with a workers’ compensation claim, a local workers compensation lawyer in San Francisco can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.

At Bridges Law Firm, we understand you might face mounting medical bills even as you become unable to earn a living wage. The attorneys at Bridges Law Firm are passionate about helping those who have faced injuries in hard, manual labor jobs and speak several dialects of fluent Spanish.

Common Types of Ankle and Foot Injuries

For workers in San Francisco, foot and ankle injuries are common in the workplace. They can include the following:

• Amputation. For individuals who work in a warehouse, construction, industrial, or factory setting, amputations of the foot can be common if they become trapped in a machine or pinned by equipment. In other cases, the foot may suffer so much damage that it will need to be medically amputated at the hospital. If you suffer an amputation, you may not be able to return to your usual mode of employment.
• Achilles tendonitis. When workers perform jobs that keep them on their feet, the constant movement and strain placed on their ankles can cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Trauma to the foot can also cause this condition, and many victims of this injury can expect to suffer chronic pain as a result.
• Stress fractures. Workers who partake in repetitive motions or suffer excessive force, such as having something dropped on their foot, can incur damage to the bones in the feet. When left untreated, these small fractures can lead to severe pain and even cause you to become incapacitated.
• Ankle sprains. Your joints are provided with strength and stability thanks to the ligaments that connect them to other parts of your body. When your ankle suffers a sprain injury, these ligaments might become stretched past their limits, and tearing can occur. While most sprains are minor and can heal without the need for medical treatment, more severe sprains can weaken the ankle over time and lead to worsening conditions.
• Broken bones. One of the most common foot and ankle injuries is a broken bone. If you suffer an incident with heavy machinery or a forklift, or you move your foot in the wrong way while lifting something, you can break a bone. Depending on the severity of the break, these injuries can take quite a while to recover from, and you may have to spend a long time off of your feet.

Workplace Accidents That Can Lead to Ankle and Foot Injuries

In order to maintain your own personal safety while in the workplace, it is wise to be aware of the potential issues you may face that can lead to accidents and resulting injuries to your ankle or foot. Some of the most common workplace accidents which can cause this kind of harm include the following:

• Trips and falls. In some workplaces, you may trip over torn carpets, uneven surfaces, exposed cords or wiring, or other objects in your path. These trips can cause you to fall and twist your foot or ankle, leading to an injury. Additionally, you may fall from a high area and land on your feet. The impact of these falls could cause broken bones, sprains, strains, or torn ligaments.
• Overextension. Even a small overextended movement can cause you to suffer severe foot or ankle injuries. What might seem like a small injury at first can actually be something much worse, like a torn tendon or ligament.
• Lack of equipment. If you work in a mode of employment that keeps you standing for most of your shift, and you do not have a support pad to stand on, you may begin to suffer from chronic pain in your feet and ankles.
• Repetitive stress. If your work has you repeating the same motions over and over, this can cause stress fractures, sprains, and strains, which can become worse with time and lead to severe injuries and chronic pain conditions.

FAQs About Work-Related Ankle & Foot Injury Law in San Francisco,CA

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Foot or Ankle Injury at Work?

The amount of compensation you are able to receive for a work-related foot or ankle injury will ultimately depend on the severity of the injury and how it affects your ability to continue working. The most common forms of damages you may be able to receive in a foot or ankle injury claim can include the costs for medical care, lost wages, and permanent or temporary disability.

Can an Undocumented Worker Receive Benefits in California?

Yes, in California, workers who are considered to be undocumented are able to receive workers’ compensation benefits under their employer’s insurance. However, it can be wise to hire an attorney who can guide you through the claims process to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve after being injured on the job.

What to Do After Suffering a Workplace Injury?

After suffering an injury at your place of employment, there are several steps you will want to take that can protect your own health and well-being, as well as the health of any future claim. First, you will want to report the accident to your supervisor and ensure that an official report is filed on your behalf. You will also want to seek medical treatment, even if you feel uninjured, as you may be suffering from an invisible injury.

What to Do After Suffering a Work-Related Foot or Ankle Injury?

If you suffer a work-related foot or ankle injury, there are certain steps you will want to take to help protect your own safety and well-being and also safeguard the success of any future claim. First, you need to report the accident to your employer or supervisor. Your report should include what happened, where and when it happened, and if anyone else was involved. You will then want to seek medical care and hire an attorney.

What Are the Symptoms of a Foot or Ankle Injury?

Some of the most common symptoms of a foot or ankle injury include swelling that can indicate inflammation of the joints and soft tissues, bruising, loss of the ability to use your joints, popping or snapping in your ankle, instability in your ankle, and pain at the point of your injury.

Speak With a San Francisco Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At Bridges Law Firm, we have extensive experience counseling and representing individuals who have been injured while on the job in California. We have a thorough knowledge of state workers’ compensation laws and are ready to hold involved insurance companies accountable for the benefits you are owed as an employee. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation with our team.