Foot & Ankle Injury Workers' Compensation in San Francisco, California
Quick Answer
Foot & Ankle Injury claims are common in San Francisco's Tourism & Service and Construction sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $25,000–$75,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. An experienced attorney who knows the San Francisco board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Foot & Ankle Injury settlement values in California range from $25,000–$75,000
- San Francisco area settlements average $72,300 across all injury types
- Key San Francisco industries with foot & ankle injury risk: Tourism & Service, Construction
- Your WCAB office: 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
- 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 Francisco avg. across all injuries: $72,300
How Foot & Ankle Injurys Happen in San Francisco
Service industry workers walk and stand for entire shifts, often on hard surfaces, leading to plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains.
Stepping on nails, falling from heights, heavy objects dropped on feet, and uneven terrain on construction sites lead to serious foot and ankle injuries.
San Francisco's economy relies heavily on Tourism & Service, Construction, 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 Francisco WCAB Office
Street parking is extremely difficult. We strongly advise using the Civic Center BART/Muni station. The nearest paid lot is the UC Law SF garage on McAllister.
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
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
Pain management medications
NSAIDs, prescription pain medications, and nerve pain medications for chronic symptoms
Typical timeline: Ongoing as medically necessary
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
Factors That Affect Your Foot & Ankle Injury Settlement in San Francisco
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 Francisco
- 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 Francisco WCAB office is at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Foot & Ankle Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Francisco
Foot & Ankle Injury in San Francisco FAQ
What is the average foot & ankle injury workers' comp settlement in San Francisco?
Foot & Ankle Injury settlements in California typically range from $25,000–$75,000. The overall average settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. 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 Francisco?
San Francisco workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (415) 703-5011. 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 Francisco?
Most foot & ankle injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Francisco WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Francisco board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which San Francisco industries have the highest foot & ankle injury risk?
In San Francisco, foot & ankle injury claims are most common in the Tourism & Service, Construction industries. High cost of living adjustments are critical for SF cases.
Injured at Work in San Francisco?
Our attorneys handle foot & ankle injury claims at the San Francisco 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.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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