A Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury settlement can provide the compensation you need if you are injured on the job. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, represents injured workers and can help you if you’re injured while living or working in Jacksonville, NC. Contact our experienced Jacksonville workers’ compensation lawyers now.
Common Workplace Situations That Lead to Foot Injuries
OSHA rules require employers to evaluate their workplace to minimize risks. Various workplace situations can result in foot injuries:
- Falling objects: Falling objects can cause crushing injury, including fractures and soft tissue damage.
- Rolling objects: Motor vehicles, equipment, or tools can roll over the foot.
- Punctures: A sharp object can cause a puncture wound that damages tissue and creates a risk of infection.
- Electrical risks: Electrical burns can cause muscle and nerve damage. Burns in the foot can cause swelling, weakness, and dysfunction in other areas of the body.
- Explosion: An explosion can damage the foot, including bones and soft tissue.
- Chemical, heat burns: When a dangerous chemical contacts the foot, it can cause erosive damage, resulting in pain, nerve damage, and risk of infection.
- Motor vehicle accidents: A car accident or heavy equipment incident can cause blunt force trauma to the foot.
- Repetitive stress injury: Performing the same task repeatedly can strain the foot.
- Poor working position: Working in an uncomfortable body position or with improper footwear can contribute to a foot injury.
If your foot injury results from an accident in the scope and course of employment, you may be eligible to receive a Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury settlement.
Foot Injuries Covered Under North Carolina Workers’ Compensation
North Carolina workers’ compensation covers “injury by accident.” (N.C.G.S. § 97-2(6)). Many types of foot injuries may be covered, including:
- Broken bones
- Achilles tendon tear
- Other tendon and ligament tears, sprains
- Crushing injury
- Nerve damage
- Skin burns
- Infection
- Cuts and contusions
- Amputation
- Joint stiffness and immobility
Workers’ compensation benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis. Each person bringing a claim may receive benefits, provided they qualify, in the amounts determined by the law. Our Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury lawyers help our clients receive the settlements they deserve.
How Foot Injury Settlements Are Valued in NC
Foot injury settlement amounts reflect various types of compensation. In many instances, the insurance company and the injured worker agree to a settlement amount, rather than having the insurance company pay periodic benefits over time.
Each settlement is unique to an individual case. Some settlements include future medical care, with the injured worker arranging for their own care after the settlement. In other cases, future medical care is left open through workers’ compensation insurance. How you fashion your award is important. At Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, our Jacksonville workers’ compensation attorneys help people appropriately value foot injury settlements.
Impairment ratings in Jacksonville foot injury settlements
An important part of a Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury settlement is the impairment rating. While workers’ compensation doesn’t cover pain and suffering, permanent disability is included in workers’ comp. The amount of compensation depends on the degree of impairment and your pre-injury wages.
Physicians rely on the N.C. The Industrial Commission Rating Guide to evaluate foot impairment, which is evaluated as part of the entire leg below the knee. Limited range of motion and joint immobility determine the impairment rating, which is used to calculate the foot injury settlement amount.
Impact of Surgery, Nerve Damage, or Long-Term Limitations
Foot injuries can range from a mild strain to a debilitating injury. If your injury requires surgery or results in nerve damage or long-term limitations, it can factor significantly into your settlement.
The timing of your settlement and what’s included can be particularly important. If you need surgery or physical therapy, it’s important to structure medical benefits such that you have the funds to pay for these services. Your personal situation and your preferences are important, and our attorneys can provide legal advice and create a personalized settlement for your case.
Steps To Take After a Foot Injury at Work in Jacksonville
When a foot injury occurs at work, protect your immediate safety and the safety of others. Seek appropriate medical care, which may mean calling 911 or going to an emergency room or urgent care. If it’s not an emergency, you should ask your employer how to access medical care. If there are questions or disputes about your medical care, an attorney can help you petition for a hearing about your case. Follow your medical care instructions.
Report the injury to your employer, making the report as soon as possible, in writing. It’s important to report the injury to a supervisor. Don’t assume they know, even if they saw the accident.
Take photos of injuries, where the accident occurred, and structures, vehicles, or objects involved. Identify witnesses and others who may have information about what happened.
You may consult with an attorney at any stage of your case. Involving an attorney early gives you experienced counsel to investigate, build evidence, provide guidance, and represent you in your claim.
How do you obtain a settlement for a Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury?
To obtain a settlement for a Jacksonville workers’ compensation foot injury, you must file a workers’ compensation claim. That means reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible and always within 30 days of the injury. You must evaluate your benefits and negotiate your settlement, which must be finalized in writing by both parties. An experienced Jacksonville workers’ compensation attorney can represent you in your pursuit of your settlement.
Disputes and Denials in Foot Injury Claims
Hearing that your claim has been denied can be frustrating, but you can challenge disputes about your wages, ability to work, medical care, disability, and more.
Why Hire a Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Foot Injuries
At Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, we know how devastating foot injuries can be. We are Jacksonville workers’ compensation attorneys for foot injuries. When you choose us, our experienced lawyers identify key issues in your case, advocating for you and pursuing your settlement.
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