Work-Related Ankle & Foot Injury Lawyers
Riverside, California
Experienced Ankle & Foot Injury Attorneys in Riverside, CA
Ankle and foot injuries can instantly limit your ability to stand, walk, or do your job. If your injury was caused by a fall, repetitive strain, or unsafe job conditions, you have the right to seek compensation and medical care.
These injuries are more than just sprains or soreness. A serious ankle or foot injury can affect your balance, mobility, and ability to stand or walk for long periods, making it difficult or even impossible to keep working or return to your job.
California workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect injured workers, but employers and insurance companies often dispute or delay these claims. It’s the employer’s responsibility to maintain a safe work environment and respond promptly when injuries occur. When they fail to do so, they may be in violation of California Labor Code § 6400, which holds employers accountable for unsafe conditions and delayed claim handling.
At Fontes Law Group, our experienced workers’ comp lawyers hold employers and insurers accountable. If your injury occurred at work or worsened over time due to your job duties, we’re ready to take legal action and fight for the full benefits you deserve.
Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group
Experience. Compassion. Results.
We represent workers across California who are suffering from work injuries. When you’re injured, you need a legal team that moves quickly, understands the system, and puts your recovery first.
- Deep experience handling complex orthopedic and workers’ compensation claims
- All team members speak Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- No fees unless we win your case
- Trusted by California workers and their families
We’ve helped California workers recover compensation after serious injuries to their feet, ankles, and lower legs, whether caused by trauma or repetitive stress. If your claim has been denied or delayed, we know how to fight back.
Meet Rosa Duarte
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Representative
Understanding Ankle & Foot Injury Claims in California
Injuries to the ankle and foot can result from both sudden accidents and cumulative trauma. Common injuries include:
- Fractured or crushed bones
- Torn ligaments such as Achilles tendon ruptures
- Severe sprains or dislocations
- Plantar fasciitis or heel injuries
- Nerve compression or chronic inflammation
- Repetitive stress injuries from standing, lifting, or walking on hard surfaces
These types of injuries are more common than many workers realize. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 96,000 foot and ankle injuries occurred in private industry workplaces in a single year, leading to time away from work. Industries like warehousing, construction, healthcare, and food service report some of the highest rates due to the physical demands of the job and exposure to uneven surfaces or heavy equipment.
Whether your injury occurred in a single incident or developed gradually, it may be compensable under California workers’ compensation law. Workers are entitled to medical treatment, disability payments, and job retraining when appropriate.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often downplay these injuries, especially when X-rays don’t show immediate damage. In many cases, soft tissue or ligament damage is harder to detect without advanced imaging. That’s why proper medical documentation and legal representation are critical to proving the full extent of your injury.
Types of Ankle & Foot Injury Cases and Red Flags
Common Workplace Injury Cases We Handle:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces
- Objects falling on or rolling over the foot
- Slips on wet or cluttered floors
- Overuse injuries in warehouse, retail, or healthcare environments
- Repetitive standing or walking on hard surfaces without proper support
Signs Your Injury May Be Serious and You Need Legal Help:
- Persistent swelling, bruising, or pain in the ankle or foot
- Difficulty walking, standing, or using stairs
- Inability to wear normal footwear or weight-bear on one side
- Delayed diagnosis or denied treatment by your employer’s insurer
- You were pressured to return to work too soon
These injuries can worsen quickly without proper care. If you’ve experienced any of these issues, it’s time to speak with an attorney.
Work-Related Injury Timeline
- Initial claim and medical visit: 1 to 2 weeks
- Medical documentation and diagnosis: 1 to 3 months
- Negotiation phase: 3 to 6 months
Understanding Legal Duties and Violations
California employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe workplace and respond immediately when injuries happen. This isn’t optional, it’s enforced under state law. According to California Labor Code § 3700, every employer in the state is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and ensure workplace safety standards are met.
Legal Responsibilities Include:
- Providing slip-resistant footwear or flooring where needed
- Keeping walkways clear, well-lit, and free from uneven surfaces
- Responding to injury reports and providing prompt access to medical care
- Educating employees on safety procedures and injury reporting
- Maintaining valid workers’ compensation coverage for all employees
When employers ignore these duties, they put workers at risk, and open themselves to legal consequences.
Common Violations We See:
- Failing to report or document work-related injuries
- Delaying or denying access to diagnostics like X-rays or MRIs
- Refusing to provide fall protection or safety equipment
- Retaliating against employees who file claims or take time off for recovery
At Fontes Law Group, we investigate these violations thoroughly. If your employer or their insurance provider is cutting corners or trying to escape liability, we take legal action to hold them accountable and protect your rights.
Proving Your Case in California
To secure compensation, we must prove:
- Your injury is legitimate and medically documented
- Your job duties contributed directly or substantially to the injury
- Your employer or insurance provider failed to meet their legal obligations
We use job descriptions, medical evaluations, and detailed evidence to show how your injury happened and why you deserve compensation.
Compensation for Ankle & Foot Injury Claims
A successful workers’ compensation claim can provide critical financial and medical support during your recovery. At Fontes Law Group, we fight to ensure your benefits reflect the full impact of your injury, not just the short-term costs.
Medical Treatment
- Emergency care after the injury, including ambulance or hospital visits
- Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to fully assess the damage
- Surgical procedures or joint repair for fractures, torn ligaments, or dislocations
- Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function
- Custom orthotics, braces, or mobility devices to assist with walking or standing
You are entitled to all medically necessary care related to your injury, not just the treatments your employer’s insurance is willing to approve.
Wage Loss and Disability
- Temporary disability payments to replace lost wages while you are unable to work
- Permanent disability benefits if the injury causes long-term or permanent limitations in mobility, balance, or function
We ensure that your disability rating is accurate and based on real medical findings, not insurer preferences.
Additional Support
- Vocational rehabilitation or retraining if you cannot return to your previous job
- Lump-sum settlements for lasting impairment, reduced work capacity, or chronic pain
If a third party caused or contributed to your injury, such as a manufacturer of faulty footwear, a property manager, or an outside contractor, we may also pursue a separate personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp case. This can allow you to recover additional damages not covered under workers’ compensation.
Q: How long do I have to report my injury?
You must notify your employer within 30 days and file a workers’ compensation claim within one year.
Q: Can I see my own doctor?
Generally, you’ll need to choose from your employer’s Medical Provider Network, but we can help explore any available exceptions.
Q: What if my job aggravated an old foot or ankle injury?
You may still qualify. If your job made the condition worse, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Q: What if I was wearing improper shoes at the time of injury?
That doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We’ll investigate whether your employer provided appropriate guidance or safety gear.
Q: Can I return to light duty while I recover?
Yes, but only if your doctor approves and the job doesn’t interfere with your recovery. We can help enforce medical restrictions if your employer pressures you to return too soon.
Helpful Resources for California Residents
California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
California Department of Industrial Relations
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Cal/OSHA Ergonomic Guidelines
Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety
Start Your Path to Recovery Today
Ankle and foot injuries may not always look severe, but they can take you off your feet and out of work for months. California law protects injured workers, but the system doesn’t always make it easy.
Let Fontes Law Group stand up for your rights, get your treatment approved, and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Request a free case review today.