Colorado Workers’ Comp for Foot & Ankle Injuries
Learn how to file a workers’ comp claim to avoid mistakes and maximize your compensation after a foot or ankle injury at work in Denver
Work-related foot and ankle injuries are more common than people may think, especially in physically demanding industries in Denver. These injuries can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages, and long-term complications if not properly addressed, so it’s crucial for workers to understand their rights and the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
This article will discuss common types of work-related foot and ankle injuries and what causes them and explain what you should do if you’re hurt at work to secure the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
How common are work-related foot and ankle injuries?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were almost 1.2 million total nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2020. Of these, about 90,000 were foot and ankle injuries, accounting for roughly 7.5% of all workplace injuries that year.
Work-related foot and ankle injuries are not only common, but they can also lead to significant time away from work and long-term mobility issues. Given their prevalence and impact on workers’ ability to perform their jobs, it’s important for both employers and employees to prioritize workplace safety and proper protective measures to help prevent these types of injuries.
What are the most common work-related foot and ankle injuries?
Below are some of the most prevalent foot and ankle injuries that employees experience in Denver workplaces:
- Sprains and strains. These injuries occur when the ligaments in the foot or ankle are overstretched or torn, often from twisting or missteps. Symptoms typically include swelling, bruising, sharp pain, and difficulty putting weight on the injured area.
- Fractures. Broken bones in the foot or ankle usually result from falls, impacts, or crush accidents. Signs of a fracture include immediate, intense pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move or bear weight on the foot.
- Tendonitis. Caused by repetitive motion or overuse, tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the foot or ankle, commonly affecting the Achilles tendon. The most common symptoms are persistent pain, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling, particularly after extended activity.
- Plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often due to prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. The hallmark symptom is sharp, stabbing heel pain, particularly noticeable in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations. Sharp objects like nails or glass can easily puncture the foot in certain work environments. These injuries typically cause bleeding, immediate pain, and a risk of infection if not properly treated.
- Amputation. In the most severe cases, particularly involving crush injuries or machinery accidents, amputation of the foot or ankle may be necessary. This life-altering injury can require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term disability support.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any of these injuries after an accident at work, we highly recommend that you seek immediate medical care from an employer-approved physician to prevent serious complications and ensure that you remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
What work-related accidents most often result in foot and ankle injuries?
Foot and ankle injuries happen in a variety of workplaces, with some of the most common causes being:
- Overexertion. Prolonged standing, walking, or carrying heavy loads, particularly in occupations like health care, retail, or factory work, can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. Delivery drivers and truck drivers also have an increased risk of RSIs due to constant driving.
- Heavy machinery accidents. Farmworkers and others operating or working around heavy equipment, such as forklifts, cranes, or industrial equipment, are at risk of foot or ankle crush injuries, which are often severe.
- Work-related vehicle accidents. Transportation-related jobs, such as truck driving, delivery services, or utility work, can involve vehicle crashes or rollovers that can lead to foot and ankle injuries.
- Slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can happen in almost any workplace, but construction workers, health care workers, warehouse workers, and grocery store workers are particularly at risk due to uneven surfaces, wet floors, and cluttered areas in their workplaces.
- Falling objects. Construction workers, landscape workers, warehouse workers, and first responders are all at risk of heavy items falling on their feet, leading to fractures and other crush injuries.
- Improper footwear. Inadequate foot protection, such as not wearing safety shoes, is a common factor that can contribute to these injuries.
It’s in the best interest of employees and employers to prevent these injuries, so employers should take steps to implement safety protocols, provide proper training and equipment, and encourage workers to report any hazards or concerns promptly.
Does Colorado Workers’ Compensation Cover All Injuries?
Learn which types of injuries and occupational illnesses are and aren’t covered under workers’ comp.
Do ankle sprains ever fully heal?
Yes, most ankle sprains can fully heal with proper care and rest, but the recovery time varies depending on the severity. Mild sprains can heal in as little as a week, while severe sprains can take months. The key to a full recovery is to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, which often includes resting the ankle, icing it, and keeping it elevated to reduce swelling.
Workers should also avoid an early return to work or physical activity because it could delay healing or lead to reinjury. Repeated or improperly treated sprains can lead to chronic instability or pain.
Can I claim workers’ comp for a sprained ankle?
Yes, in Colorado, most workers can file a claim for workers’ compensation for a foot or ankle injury, like a sprained ankle, as long as the injury occurred during work-related activities.
Most Colorado employers with 1 or more full- or part-time employees, including family members, must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their workers. However, some workers are exempt from workers’ comp, including independent contractors, domestic workers (like nannies) who work less than 40 hours a week, and casual workers.
To qualify for benefits, you don’t need to prove that your injury was your employer’s fault. You only need to prove that it’s directly related to your job, which is why it’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible.
How much compensation can I get for a foot or ankle injury at work?
The compensation you can receive for a foot or ankle injury at work varies based on a number of factors, but workers’ compensation typically provides several types of benefits, including:
- Medical benefits. These cover all reasonable medical treatment related to your injury, including surgeries, therapy, and medication.
- Wage loss benefits. If your injury prevents you from working during your recovery, you can receive wage replacement benefits, usually about two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
- Vocational rehabilitation. This helps you retrain or find new employment if you can’t return to your previous job because of your injury.
A study in 2022 found that the average compensation through workers’ comp after an ankle injury was $17,210 for medical care and $13,276 for wage loss benefits. Similarly, foot injuries averaged $15,762 in medical benefits and $11,866 in wage loss benefits.
While these averages can give you an idea of potential compensation, your specific benefits will depend on the nature of your injury, your recovery timeline, and your ability to return to work. Consulting with a local Denver workers’ comp attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What happens if I hurt my ankle at work in CO?
If you hurt your ankle or foot at work in Colorado, you’ll need to take certain steps to file a workers’ comp claim and receive compensation, including:
- Seek medical care. If the injury is severe, seek emergency medical care immediately. For non-emergencies, use a physician specified by your employer to ensure proper documentation for your workers’ comp claim.
- Report your injury. In most cases, you must report the injury to your employer within 10 days of the accident. Additionally, you’ll need to file form WC 15 “Worker’s Claim for Compensation” with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. This should be done as soon as possible, though you have up to 2 years to file.
- Ensure your employer notifies their insurer. Your employer has 10 days to report the injury to their workers’ comp insurance provider. You should receive a decision on your claim within 20 days after it has been filed.
- Keep documentation. Track all medical treatments, expenses, and missed workdays as evidence to support your claim in case of disputes.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal, but it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist with the appeals process. Legal assistance can be critical in overcoming obstacles and preventing long-term financial burdens caused by your injury.
Need help with your Colorado workers’ comp claim?
Foot and ankle injuries can have a profound impact on your ability to work and provide for your family, often leaving you dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost income. At The Babcock Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the workers’ compensation process while trying to recover from an injury.
Our experienced Denver work injury attorneys are here to help guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the full compensation and benefits you’re entitled to. Whether you’ve suffered a sprain, fracture, or a more severe injury like an amputation, we’re committed to standing by your side and fighting for your rights.
Contact The Babcock Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get the support you need to move forward.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, November 3). Table EH1. Number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work by selected worker and case characteristics and medical treatment facility visits, all U.S., private industry, 2020. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/cd_eh1.htm#BLStable_2021_10_20_15_47_footnotes
Hoch, C. P., Caughman, A., Griffith, A., Hoch, C. P., Rex, J. C., Scott, D. J., & Gross, C. E. (2022). A Detailed Analysis of Workplace Foot and Ankle Injuries. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 7(1), 2473011421S00241. https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011421S00241
