Foot Injury Compensation Claims
Foot injuries at work can be extremely painful and may limit your ability to walk, stand, or carry out your job. From broken toes and crush injuries to long-term conditions like plantar fasciitis, these injuries often require time off work and can have lasting effects.
If your foot injury was caused by unsafe working conditions, lack of protective footwear, or other employer failings, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common foot injuries, employer duties, the evidence you need, and how much you might claim.
At a glance
- Over 1,000 workplace amputations and crush injuries affecting hands and feet were reported under RIDDOR in 2022/23 (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE RIDDOR data published 2024)
- Foot injuries include fractures, crush injuries, sprains, puncture wounds and amputations.
- Employers must provide PPE such as safety boots and carry out proper risk assessments.
- Compensation can cover pain and suffering, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of earnings.
- You usually have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Report your injury and get checked the same day. Take photos of any swelling. Keep a simple note of how walking, stairs and driving feel day to day. These records will help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a foot injury at work?
A foot injury is any harm sustained to the toes, heel, ankle or entire foot as a result of a workplace accident or unsafe working conditions. Common workplace causes include falling objects, heavy machinery, slips and trips, and inadequate protective footwear. Types of injuries include:
- Fractures and broken toes – caused by heavy objects or machinery striking the foot.
- Crush injuries – often from forklifts, pallets or machinery running over the foot.
- Sprains and ligament tears – from slips, trips, falls or awkward movements.
- Puncture wounds – from stepping on sharp objects without adequate safety shoes.
- Amputation – in severe accidents involving heavy machinery or crush injuries.
Examples of foot injuries and workplace causes
| Injury type | Common cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Broken toes | Dropped tools, falling objects | Pain, swelling, weeks off work |
| Crush injury | Forklift, pallet truck, heavy machinery | Severe pain, possible amputation, long recovery |
| Sprain or ligament tear | Slip, trip or awkward movement | Reduced mobility, ongoing physiotherapy |
| Puncture wound | Stepping on nails, glass or sharp metal | Infection risk, delayed healing |
| Amputation | Severe crush or machinery accident | Permanent disability, prosthetic use, lifelong adjustment |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be eligible if:
- Your foot injury happened at work within the last three years, and
- Employer negligence (e.g. lack of PPE, poor training, unsafe machinery or environment) contributed, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident.
If you are unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a foot injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the PPE at Work Regulations. They must:
- Provide suitable safety footwear for employees exposed to risks.
- Carry out risk assessments for heavy lifting, moving machinery and sharp materials.
- Ensure walkways are clear and floors are safe.
- Train staff in manual handling and safe working practices.
If these duties were ignored, they may be liable for your injury. See also Inadequate PPE injury claims.
Employment status and foot injury claims
If someone else was negligent, you can usually claim whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a foot injury claim
- Medical records and x-rays confirming your injury.
- Accident book entries and incident reports.
- Photographs of the accident site and defective equipment.
- PPE records showing whether protective footwear was provided.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
Time limits for foot injury claims
The standard time limit is three years from the date of the accident or from when you realised your injury was linked to work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking capacity. Learn more in time limits for injury claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I wasn’t given safety boots?
Yes. Employers must provide suitable PPE where risks are present. Failing to provide safety footwear is often grounds for a claim.
What if my injury was caused by a forklift running over my foot?
This is a common cause of crush injuries in warehouses and factories. You may have a claim against your employer for poor traffic management or lack of protective footwear.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your foot injury and provide a report to support your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free, specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) is a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Personal protective equipment
- NHS: Ankle pain - provides information on foot and ankle injuries, including causes, treatment, and when to seek medical help, relevant for workplace injury claims.
- NHS: Foot pain
- PPE at Work Regulations 1992