Leg injuries are a common injury amongst workers in every field, and in every type of working environment. While no one expects to go to work and slip, trip, fall, or have an object fall on them, the reality is that every day hundreds of workers across South Carolina sustain leg injuries that leave them unable to work and unable to meet their financial obligations.
If you have sustained a leg injury while at work, contact a Charleston workplace leg injury lawyer today. A compassionate workers compensation attorney can assist in your pursuit of compensation. En Español.
Typical Leg Injuries in the Workplace
Many jobs and working environments require workers to be able to move from place to place or to move products from one place to another, therefore it is crucial to avoid injuries to your legs, knees, ankles, and feet. It only takes a second or a wrong step for a leg injury to occur.
It is important for workers to understand some of the most common leg injuries that occur in the workplace. Some of the most common leg injuries that Charleston workplace leg injury lawyer see include:
- ACL tears – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the several crucial ligaments that help to stabilize the knee joint. An ACL tear can occur when a person changes direction rapidly or falls. Injuries to the ACL can be minor and heal on their own with time and rest, however, other ACL tears can require surgery and rehabilitation
- MCL tears – the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the inside of the knee and connects the thighbone to the bones of the lower leg. These injuries are commonly caused by a strong force hitting the outside of the knee
- Meniscus tears – The meniscus is a rubbery C-shaped disc located in each knee that function as a cushion between the bones in the knee. The meniscus functions to help support and keep the knee steady, however, an injury or tear can occur whenever the knee twists or turns quickly, and often occurs when the foot is planted. These injuries often require surgery to repair or remove part of the damaged meniscus
- Achilles tendon strains, rupture, and tendonitis – The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone through a tough fibrous band of tissue. An injury to the Achille’s tendon can be the result of overuse, or from quickly changing speeds or directions
The Achille’s tendon can also be injured through blunt force trauma such as an object falling on it. The Achille’s tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body and is crucial for walking; therefore, any injury to this tissue can result in severe pain and significantly reduced mobility.
Other common leg injuries include:
- Muscle strains
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Nerve impingements
- Broken bones
Not only can a leg injury be an inconvenience, a leg injury can negatively impact a worker’s ability to perform their job. Unfortunately, many workers will ignore telltale signs of injury and try to ignore their symptoms until it is too late.
Workers At-Risk for Leg Injuries
Leg injuries can happen to any worker in any field of employment. While employees in the construction and warehouse industries are exposed to more risks due to the hazards of their working environments, other professions are also at risk of leg injuries including:
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Postal workers
- Nurses
- Retail workers
- Police officers
- Paramedics
- Firefighters
Sustaining a leg, knee, ankle, or foot injury on the job is an immediate cause for concern, and without timely and proper treatment a worker’s mobility and ability to work may be hindered.
How a Charleston Workplace Leg Injury Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one have suffered any type of leg injury while carrying out the daily duties of your job, please do not hesitate to contact a Charleston workplace leg injury lawyers who can examine your case and go over all of your legal options.
