Be Careful on Your Feet in the Workplace
Foot pain is a common curse for employees who work on their feet all day. For instance, workers who stand on cement all day long can suffer significant foot stress and strain that can lead to pain in other parts of the body. If you injure a toe, a foot, or an ankle at work, you can make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits while you heal.
How often do employees hurt their feet at work?
Foot injuries can happen at work no matter where you are employed. About 4.7 out of 10,000 workers are affected by foot injuries in the workplace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The most common injuries include:
- Chemical burns from splashes
- Broken or crushed bones from dropped items
- Twists or sprains from falling or tripping
- Punctures resulting from stepping on pointed or sharp objects
Toe or feet amputations are one permanent consequence of foot injuries. Employees of various industries must be careful to ensure they take the necessary preparations and precautions to avoid these injuries. This includes the wearing of protective footwear and adhering to OSHA safety standards.
Why foot injuries are so serious
The human foot has 26 bones, 30 joints, and 100 ligaments and muscles. If any of these components in the foot are injured, the healing process can take a long time to complete. Also, a person’s balance and mobility is affected by the proper functioning of these components. As a result, a small foot injury can make a big impact on a worker’s ability to continue performing his or her job tasks properly or effectively.
Injuries that affect the feet in this manner can affect Maryland workers financially and physically for a long time. Under the workers’ compensation laws, you could be entitled to receive:
- Temporary total disability benefits, if your injury leaves you unable to work for a period of time
- Temporary partial disability benefits, if your injury leaves you able to work in some capacity, but decreases your earning potential
- Permanent partial disability benefits, if you sustain some kind of permanent injury
- Permanent total disability benefits, if you are left entirely disabled or if you lose the use of both feet and/or legs
- Medical benefits, which pay for your medical treatments related to your injury
- Vocational rehabilitation, if you are left unable to do the same job but can be trained to do another
You are not required to use an attorney in Maryland to pursue your workers’ compensation benefits. However, an experienced attorney can ensure your claim is filled out and presented correctly and on-time. Your attorney can take care of any obstacles and complications that may arise with your claim and guide you as smoothly as possible through the process. If any problem arises with your claim via the insurance company or any other source, your attorney can represent you effectively during any hearings or appeals involved.
Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are here to your strong advocates for the compensation you deserve in the aftermath of your injury in the workplace. We have your back from start to finish. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. To setup a free case review, call us today at 410.730.7737 or fill out our contact form and leave us a message.
Joshua Plaxen graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012 magna cum laude. He was also inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for finishing in the top ten percent of his class. During law school, Joshua served on the Executive Board of the University of Baltimore Law Review.