Ankle injuries are one of the most frequently reported workplace injuries in California — and they can happen to anyone, from warehouse workers and delivery drivers to nurses and office staff. These injuries may seem minor at first but can result in significant pain, downtime, and even permanent limitations.
At Employees First Labor Law, we know how devastating a serious ankle injury can be. You may be unable to stand, walk, or drive. You may require surgery or months of physical therapy. And the insurance company may not make things easy. We’re here to help you fight for the benefits you’re entitled to under California’s workers’ compensation laws.
Common Ankle Injuries on the Job
An ankle injury can happen in an instant or develop gradually over time. Some of the most common types of work-related ankle injuries include:
- Sprained ankles – caused by stretched or torn ligaments due to twisting or rolling
- Fractured ankles – broken bones (fibula, tibia, or talus) from falls or blunt force trauma
- Dislocations – bones forced out of alignment, often requiring immediate medical intervention
- Achilles tendon injuries – tears or inflammation, especially in jobs involving repetitive motion
- Stress fractures – micro-cracks in the bones caused by overuse or prolonged standing
- Post-traumatic arthritis – long-term joint damage that develops after an ankle injury
These injuries often occur due to:
- Slipping on wet or oily floors
- Missteps on uneven surfaces or stairs
- Lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Being struck by tools, pallets, or machinery
- Falls from ladders, loading docks, or platforms
Are Ankle Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?
Yes. If your ankle injury happened while you were performing your job duties, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits — even if you were partially at fault. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to protect employees.
Benefits may include:
- All medical care related to your ankle injury, including imaging (X-rays, MRIs), surgery, physical therapy, orthopedic treatment, and pain management
- Temporary disability (TD) payments while you’re unable to work due to the injury
- Permanent disability (PD) compensation if the injury results in long-term impairment
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) if you’re unable to return to your previous job and need retraining
- Mileage reimbursement for trips to medical appointments
Explore what Temporary Disability Benefits cover »
Accommodations and Return-to-Work Options After an Ankle Injury
In many cases, you may be able to return to work with modifications or restrictions while you heal. Under California law, your employer must engage in an interactive process and provide reasonable accommodations if you’re partially disabled.
Examples include:
- Light-duty assignments
- Work that allows you to sit instead of stand
- No climbing, kneeling, or lifting
- Modified schedules or reduced hours
- Use of crutches, walking boots, or scooters
Failing to accommodate an injured worker may lead to additional legal claims, including disability discrimination or retaliation.
See our full guide to Work Restrictions & the Interactive Process »
What If My Ankle Injury Claim Was Denied?
It’s not uncommon for insurers to deny ankle injury claims — especially if there’s a delay in reporting, pre-existing conditions, or no clear eyewitnesses. But a denial isn’t the end of the road.
We can help you:
- File for an Application for Adjudication of Claim with the WCAB
- Get a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME) or Agreed Medical Evaluation (AME)
- Fight for medical treatment and disability payments
- Challenge false accusations of non-work-related causes
Don’t let a denial stop you from getting the care and compensation you need.
Why Injured Workers Choose EFLL
At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve recovered millions for California workers who were hurt on the job. Our team knows the tactics insurance companies use — and we fight back. We handle every aspect of your case, from finding a qualified Primary Treating Physician to getting you paid while you recover.
✅ No fee unless we win
✅ Spanish-speaking staff available
✅ We handle denied, delayed, and underpaid claims
✅ We help coordinate surgery approvals and medical care
📞 Call now or visit our Workers’ Compensation page to schedule a free consultation.
📩 Submit Your Case Confidentially
