Your feet are constantly at risk in a busy workplace. For workers across Queens in construction, warehousing, retail, food service, and transportation, foot injuries happen regularly and can take you off the job for weeks.
At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we handle workers’ compensation cases for Queens workers injured on the job, including those who’ve suffered foot injuries that have affected their ability to work and earn.
Types of Foot Injuries That Affect Workers
Foot injuries at work can range from painful to severely disabling. Workers commonly suffer:
- Metatarsal fractures from falling objects or crush events
- Plantar fasciitis from prolonged standing or walking without adequate footwear
- Heel fractures from falls or jumping down from a height
- Lacerations from sharp tools or materials on the job site
- Crush injuries that damage multiple bones and soft tissue at once
Even injuries that seem minor at first can become serious without proper treatment. A worker who ignores foot pain and keeps working often makes the injury significantly worse.
Common Causes of Foot Injuries at Work in Queens
Queens has a diverse and active workforce, and foot injuries occur across many different industries and settings. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Heavy objects falling onto the foot on construction sites or in warehouses
- Equipment rolling over a worker’s foot in a loading area
- Slipping on a wet or slick floor and landing forcefully
- Puncture wounds from nails, glass, or sharp debris on job sites
- Prolonged standing on concrete or hard surfaces can lead to stress fractures
Why Foot Injuries Can Sideline You Longer Than Expected
Because you’re on your feet for most physical work, a foot injury can affect your ability to perform almost any job task. Surgery for certain fractures, followed by a period of non-weight-bearing recovery, can keep a worker off the job for months. Even after you’re cleared to return, you may need modified duties or reduced hours while you continue to heal, which can mean a smaller paycheck during an already difficult time.
During that time, medical bills and lost income pile up. Workers’ comp is designed to address this through medical coverage and wage replacement benefits.
New York Law Protects Workers with Foot Injuries
Under New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 10, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance must cover you if you are hurt at work. Foot injuries caused by workplace hazards are covered regardless of whether anyone was technically at fault.
If your injury happened on a construction site, New York Labor Law § 241 may impose additional liability on the property owner or general contractor for failure to maintain safe conditions.
Taking Action After a Foot Injury on the Job
Report your injury to your supervisor right away, see a doctor as soon as possible, and keep all your paperwork organized. Our Queens workers’ compensation attorneys work with Queens workers to build strong claims and fight back against insurance company denials when they occur.
Did you suffer a foot injury while on the clock? Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
