Foot & Ankle Injury Workers' Compensation in San Diego, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Foot & Ankle Injury claims are common in San Diego's Tourism sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $25,000–$75,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Foot & Ankle Injury settlement values in California range from $25,000–$75,000
  • San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
  • Key San Diego industries with foot & ankle injury risk: Tourism
  • Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Report foot or ankle injuries immediately, even if you initially think you can walk it off

Foot & Ankle Injury Settlement Range

$25,000–$75,000

San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100

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How Foot & Ankle Injurys Happen in San Diego

Hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides spend long hours on their feet, often on slippery surfaces, leading to foot and ankle injuries.

San Diego's economy relies heavily on Tourism, making foot & ankle injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

San Diego WCAB Office

7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 767-2081

Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.

Foot & Ankle Injury Symptoms to Document

Immediate severe pain

Intense pain at the moment of injury, often preventing weight-bearing or walking

Swelling and bruising

Rapid swelling around the injury site with visible bruising developing within hours

Inability to bear weight

Complete inability to stand or walk on the affected foot without severe pain

Visible deformity

Abnormal appearance of the foot or ankle, indicating fracture or dislocation

Chronic pain after healing

Persistent aching, especially with prolonged standing, walking, or weather changes

Limited range of motion

Difficulty flexing, extending, or rotating the ankle after initial healing

Instability and weakness

Feeling that the ankle may give out, especially on uneven surfaces

Numbness or tingling

Loss of sensation in the foot or toes, potentially indicating nerve damage

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Immobilization and rest

Cast, boot, or splint to prevent movement and allow bone healing; crutches to avoid weight-bearing

Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks depending on fracture severity

Covered

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and balance after immobilization period

Typical timeline: 8-16 weeks, 2-3 sessions per week

Covered

Pain management medications

NSAIDs, prescription pain medications, and nerve pain medications for chronic symptoms

Typical timeline: Ongoing as medically necessary

Covered

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)

Surgical procedure using plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize fractured bones

Typical timeline: 3-6 months recovery, hardware may remain permanently

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Foot & Ankle Injury Settlement in San Diego

Type of fracture

Calcaneus and talus fractures settle significantly higher than toe fractures

Broken toe: $10,000-$25,000 vs. Calcaneus fracture: $60,000-$150,000

Need for surgery

Surgical cases with hardware implantation settle for 2-3x conservative treatment

Non-displaced fracture: $20,000-$35,000 vs. ORIF surgery: $50,000-$100,000

Job requirements

Workers in standing/walking occupations receive higher permanent disability ratings

Office worker: $30,000 vs. Warehouse worker: $65,000 for same injury

Development of arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis significantly increases settlement value

Fracture healed well: $40,000 vs. Chronic arthritis developing: $75,000+

Filing Your Foot & Ankle Injury Claim in San Diego

  • Report foot or ankle injuries immediately, even if you initially think you can walk it off
  • Request X-rays and CT scans early; fractures may not be visible on initial X-ray
  • Document your job duties, especially time spent standing, walking, or climbing
  • Photograph any workplace hazards that contributed to your injury (wet floors, holes, debris)
  • Keep records of inadequate safety footwear or lack of proper fall protection
  • Track daily pain levels and functional limitations in a journal
  • Don't return to full duty until your doctor clears you; reinjury is common
  • Consider future medical needs carefully before settling; arthritis often develops years later
  • The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Foot & Ankle Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego

View all San Diego workers' comp info →

Foot & Ankle Injury in San Diego FAQ

What is the average foot & ankle injury workers' comp settlement in San Diego?

Foot & Ankle Injury settlements in California typically range from $25,000–$75,000. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a foot & ankle injury workers' comp claim in San Diego?

San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a foot & ankle injury workers' comp case take in San Diego?

Most foot & ankle injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Diego WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Diego board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which San Diego industries have the highest foot & ankle injury risk?

In San Diego, foot & ankle injury claims are most common in the Tourism industry. We frequently handle defense firms based in Mission Valley.

Injured at Work in San Diego?

Our attorneys handle foot & ankle injury claims at the San Diego WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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