High heels and workers’ comp claims

It is no secret that high heels are still a fashion statement in today’s workplace. Whether this is because online shoe stores have gained a great deal of traction or because more offices are adopting casual dress protocols, high heels are being worn in more venues.

It is also no secret that heels can be uncomfortable after a few hours in them, but many may be completely unaware of the long-term injuries that can come about from religiously wearing heels. From a workers’ compensation perspective, repetitive stress on a woman’s foot from wearing heels may lead to a compensable event.

The American Osteopathic Association reports that walking around in high heels for long periods of during the day can lead to a number of maladies, including arthritis, low back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee.

Given the potential for these injuries, it is critical that employers are wary of their dress codes; especially requirements that women wear heels. Indeed, we are not talking about peer pressure like the influences in “The Devil Wears Prada.”  After all, these rules may be considered discriminatory and may lead to legal challenges in addition to work comp claims.

Nevertheless, injuries from improper shoe use do happen, even though repetitive stress injuries are difficult cases because of the different ailments and level of pain each person experiences. As such,  workers’ comp claims need the guidance of an experienced attorney.  If you believe that your injuries are directly attributable to wearing high heels at work, a conversation with a workers’ compensation attorney may be helpful.

Content retrieved from: https://www.jeromegibsonlawfirm.com/blog/2016/06/high-heels-and-workers-comp-claims/.