Apex workers’ compensation foot injury settlements compensate injured workers for lost income and permanent impairment. You may also qualify for medical benefits and vocational rehabilitation.
Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, represent injured workers in Apex workers’ compensation foot injury claims. Contact our experienced Apex workers’ compensation lawyers to talk about your settlement and receive help with your case.
Workers’ Compensation Foot Injury Settlements
Here is what our lawyers want you to know about workers’ compensation foot injury settlements:
- A foot injury that occurs by accident in the course of employment may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Benefits fall into several categories, including medical care, lost income, and disability compensation.
- Foot injury settlement amounts are determined individually. The timing of your settlement may be important.
- A lawyer can represent you in your claim.
If you sought medical attention for a workplace foot injury, talking to a workers’ compensation foot injury lawyer is worthwhile. Our lawyers can explain what your case may be worth, identify important issues, and explain how legal representation may benefit you.
How Workplace Foot Injuries Happen in Apex, NC
Foot injuries occur in the workplace in Apex, NC, in a variety of ways:
- Falling objects: When objects fall from an elevated height, a crushing foot injury may occur.
- Run over accidents: A vehicle or equipment may run over the foot.
- Fall from elevation: Falling from a ladder or platform may cause a break, tear, or sprain.
- Trip and fall: A trip and fall accident from the same level may result in foot trauma.
- Stuck-in accident: Becoming stuck between or pulled by machinery or equipment may cause foot injury.
- Crowding of persons: Jostling of persons in a crowded space may result in accidents and physical harm.
- Workplace violence: Violence on the job may result in foot injury, including contusions and blunt force trauma.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Force of impact and deceleration may result in a foot injury.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 44,970 foot injuries occurred in one year in the private industry in the United States. This statistic includes injuries that resulted in missed work. An additional 44,220 ankle injuries occurred in the same period.
Foot Injuries Covered Under North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law
Foot injuries that may be covered under the Apex, North Carolina workers’ compensation law include:
- Broken bones: Fractures of the foot, most commonly involving the metatarsals, phalanges, or calcaneus.
- Ankle sprain: A tear or stretch of the ligaments of the foot beyond the normal range of motion.
- Puncture wound: An injury in which the skin is pierced, creating a risk of infection.
- Achilles tendon tear: Sudden tearing of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
- Nerve damage: Injury caused by blunt trauma or compression that affects foot nerves.
- Turf toe: A sprain of the big toe caused by overstretching.
- Laceration: Cuts and contusions that may cause pain, complications, and internal tissue damage.
With 26 bones in the foot and 20 articulated joints that facilitate movement, the foot allows the leg to bear weight.
The ankle is the joint where the foot and the leg meet. The tibia and fibula of the leg meet the talus of the foot at the ankle. The ankle is critical for walking and supporting the body in a standing position.
How Foot Injury Settlement Amounts Are Calculated
Foot injury settlement amounts are calculated according to the workers’ compensation system. Factors include:
- Whether the person is unable to work because of their injuries
- How long the person misses work
- Whether loss of income is complete or partial
- Earnings before injury
- The cost of medical care and how long medical care is needed
- Whether education or vocational support will help the person return to work
- Permanent impairment despite maximum medical improvement
The timing of the settlement and what’s included may also impact your settlement award.
Impact of Surgery, Fractures, or Nerve Damage on Compensation
It’s important to fully understand the extent of a foot injury when determining your settlement. The cost of surgery or the rest required to treat a fracture may increase your claim amount. Nerve damage may factor into medical benefits, lost income, and permanent impairment.
Permanent Disability Ratings for Foot Injuries
A permanent disability award can be claimed if the impairment remains despite reaching maximum medical improvement. The injury is evaluated as an impairment of the leg. The medical care provider assigns an impairment rating, which is paid based on the person’s pre-injury income.
The accuracy of the rating is critical to receiving the correct settlement amount. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your assigned rating and, if necessary, challenge it.
Steps To Take After a Work-Related Foot Injury
When a work-related foot injury occurs, take steps to prevent additional harm and seek emergency medical care. For emergencies, you can go to the nearest appropriate medical care provider. For all other care, your employer chooses your provider.
Report the injury to your employer, in writing, as soon as possible. Save all documents and communications relating to your care.
Learn as much as you can about workers’ compensation for foot injuries and how the process works. Talk to a lawyer to determine if hiring an attorney is in your best interest.
Workers’ Compensation Foot Injury Settlements in Apex, NC
Apex, NC, is a medium-sized city in Wake and Chatham counties, near Raleigh and Research Triangle Park (RTP). Friendship is an unincorporated community in Apex.
Major roads serving the city are US 1, US 64, NC 65, NC 540, and I-540. The Apex Peakway surrounds the downtown area, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport is north of the city.
Leading employers in Apex, NC, are in the education, technology, manufacturing, retail, and government sectors.
Why Hire an Apex Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Your Claim
An Apex workers’ compensation attorney understands the necessary steps to claim your settlement. If your claim is denied or if compensation is too low, your lawyer can gather the evidence, challenge the case, and negotiate on your behalf.
Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is taking new cases now for Apex workers’ compensation foot claims. Start your case today. Contact us.
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